Local Governments Georgia Studies

County Governments Serve the People Counties protect their citizens through the county police (Sheriff) and county fire departments.

What do counties keep track of? Counties keep track of important information for their citizens. Land ownership Marriage and Automobile licenses Voter registration

How is a charter similar to a constitution? Both are plans for government Both outline the powers of the government Both identify the boundaries of the government’s authority

What the requirements? A region must have 200 or more people Have 2/3 of its land reserved for residential housing and business development

Remaining a municipality Must hold regular elections Have at least six official meetings per year Provide at least three services from an official list.

County Government Responsibilities Build and maintain roads Control licenses for cars and trucks Run Georgia’s welfare programs Voter registration & elections Land ownership records Marriage licenses

County Courts Each county municipality must have the following courts Probate court Magistrate court Juvenile courts

County Officials Each county must have the following officials County Commissioner County Board of Commissioners Clerk of the Superior Court Probate Court Judge County Sheriff Tax Receiver Tax Collector

Similarities Between City Councils and the Legislative Branch The city council is elected by the citizens of the municipality The city council makes the laws for the municipality

Services Offered by Municipalities What are the five most important services counties and cities provide? Why do counties offer these services?

Special Purpose-Districts Formed in order to meet the specific needs of the people Administrative units which aim to accomplish a specific task Development Authorities Downtown Development Authorities Recreation & Park Authorities Housing Authorities

Three Main Forms of Municipal Government In all forms of municipal government, citizens elect members to city council City council is the legislative branch (makes laws) Forms vary according to executive branch Council-manager Strong mayor-council Weak mayor-council

Council-manager City council hires a city manager City manager is head executive Decides who is in charge of city services Runs budget City also has mayor – member of legislative branch Can be chosen by mayor or elected by people

Strong Mayor-council Mayor is a powerful executive officer (elected by voters) Can veto legislation Can choose people to run city services Power to run budget Influence makeup of city committees

Weak mayor-council Mayor is elected by voters Mayor is more for show than for function No power to choose committee members No power to veto No power to run budget