1. Local Government

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. New Paltz- Village Village Board with elected positions:
Mayor elected to a 4 year term: Tim Rogers
Four Village Trustees
Village Clerk

9. 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?