Local Government
County Government A county is the next smallest unit of government below a state. Make it easier to provide services directly to people The county seat is the town or city in each county that serves as the home for the county government
Services Provided Run elections Operate courts and jails Run hospitals Offer mental health services Provide clean water Keep property records Plan how land will be developed (zoning) Relief to the poor Disease prevention programs Maintain parks
Paying for Services Counties have three main sources of money to pay for all of the services they provide: The federal government- the smallest share of money The state- about 1/3 of the money comes from the state The county itself: Most of this money comes from property taxes people or businesses pay on land and buildings they own inside the county Some counties also have sales tax on items sold inside the county Raise money by charging fees for services the county provides
County Power Counties get their power from one of two places: Dillon’s Rule: says county must get authority from the state legislature before it can provide services Home Rule: counties have the power to make decisions for themselves about what services to provide. Counties have some independence from the state but state laws always trump county laws New York uses a combination of both of these
Organization Ulster County has an elected executive branch. Legislative authority is vested in the County Legislature which consists of 23 members elected from individual districts (towns within the county). Ulster County Executive: Mike Hein Ulster County Legislature Representatives: New Paltz- Hector Rodriguez/James Delaune Gardiner- Tracey Bartels
New Paltz- Town Governed by a town council comprised of four at-large members who serve for four years Town Supervisor serves for two years: Neil Bettez New Paltz voters allowed for a change recently, the supervisor can now serve for 4 years Why? Highway superintendent serves for two years Town clerk is elected to a four year term
New Paltz- Village Village Board with elected positions: Mayor elected to a 4 year term: Tim Rogers Four Village Trustees Village Clerk
New Paltz- School Board Legal responsibility for the operation of the entire district Four main areas of responsibility: To establish all school district policies To develop an annual budget for public approval To approve or disapprove the Superintendent’s recommendations regarding personnel matters To approve or disapprove the Superintendent’s recommendations regarding many contracts the district must enter into Why is the school board a form of government?