How Local Government Balance Interest & Resolve Conflict J. Worley Civics

How do people get involved? Town Meetings –Where the whole community is invited to come together and participate in the process of finding a solution –Used in smaller communities & informal –EX- New England communities Public Hearings –When elected bodies welcome private citizens to their meetings and allow them to speak –EX- Smithfield building the Community Center

How do people get involved? (cont) Forums –Special meetings conducted specifically for the purpose of allowing citizens to come and voice their opinions on topics of concern within the community –EX- JCS BoE and the new school lines Budget –What will local government spend the money on and if citizens should be taxed –EX- Governor & Mayor budgets

How do people get involved? (cont) “At Large” Voting –When the people vote for candidates who do not just represent one district but the whole community –Usually done in the cities/towns

Interaction Between City & County Gov’t Extra Terrestrial Jurisdiction (ETJ) –Existing cities expanding to exercise authority over previously outlying areas –This is a very hot topic in growing cities –Could also involved annexation –Creates controversy because citizens often differ over whether or not they view such changes as positive –Some like the idea of being involved in a city’s infrastructure

Interaction Between City & County Gov’t (cont.) Annexation –Process by which a city expands by taking over outlying and previously independent areas –Is often involved in ETJ Zoning Laws –Determine what kinds of structures may be built, where they may be built, and what standards they must meet –EX- Billboards/Plaquerds outside stores

Interaction Between City & County Gov’t (cont.) Infrastructure –Utilities, sewage, water, and other resources that are given to annexed areas from expanding cities –Other services would include police and fire protection, waste management, etc. Taxation –Cities are able to tax areas within the city limits –Infrastructures are taxed as well –Annexation allows big cities to get more money