1. Local Governments

2. Local Authority ► Our state constitution lays out rules for establishing local governments. The NCGA can create and abolish localities. ► Local ordinances (local laws) must follow the state & federal constitution. Exs: Noise, leash

3. Types of Local Governments ► Counties: largest subdivision of a state. ► Municipalities: any urban unit of government like towns or cities. ► Special District: Concentrate on regulation and control of 1 area.

4. Municipalities ► Include cities, towns, and villages. ► The type of government depends on charter. ► Currituck Co. has no municipalities. ► Currituck Co. is part of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. What is a Metro Area?

5. NE NC with Municipalities

6. Incorporation ► When an area wishes to incorporate as a municipality to form a local government, the NCGA must approve the charter. A charter is the municipality’s plan of government. What is included in a charter? ► Currituck Co. BOC sought to incorporate the entire county. This referendum failed. ► Corolla sought to incorporate last year. The NCGA refused to approve their charter. What are advantages & disadvantages of incorporation?

7. Annexation ► Why would a city need or want to annex new territory into their city limits? ► What happens if the citizens of the unincorporated area do not want to be annexed? ► What are the pros & cons of being annexed by a municipality?

8. Structure of Governments Chief Executive Carries Out laws Makes budget Hires personnel MAYOR Municipal legislature Makes ordinances Levies Taxes Hires Municipal Manager Approves Personnel & Budget Mainly ceremonial

9. Services provided by Municipalities ► Services include maintenance of streets, utilities, sidewalks, cemeteries, and public safety. ► Municipalities in NC collect property taxes, sales taxes, and income taxes to pay for these services. ► The city manager develops the budget which then must be approved by the council. Mayors are largely ceremonial.

10. Counties ► A county is the largest political subdivision of a state. All states but Alaska & Louisiana call them counties. (Boroughs/Parishes) ► NC has 100 counties. ► The 2 main duties of counties are to administer state & local laws & provide services.

11. NC Counties

12. Functions of County Governments ► Education ► Transportation ► Social Services ► Sewage & Sanitation ► Zoning ► Police & Fire ► Recreation ► Water

13. Board of Commissioners ► All NC counties are governed by a Board of Commissioners (BOC). ► There are 7 members on Currituck Co.’s BOC: (5 districts & 2 at-large members) ► Each member serves a 4-year term. The terms are staggered so every 2 years 3 or 4 are elected. ► Main duties are: Make ordinances, hire county manager, approve the budget, and levy taxes.

14. BOC as of November, 2008

16. The County Manager ► Hired by the BOC. ► Makes the budget, oversees co. departments, carries out county operations and policies. ► Dan Scanlon is Currituck Co.’s County Manager.

17. Special Districts ► These local districts oversee a specific area of concern in a county. ► Examples in Currituck County include our school district and our soil & water district. ► Each district is governed by an elected board. ► The Currituck County School district is run daily by our superintendent.

18. Board of Education ► Each serves a 4-year term. Terms are staggered so every 2 years 2 or 3 are elected. ► Main duties are: Make policies, hire superintendent and personnel, and approve the budget. ► http://www.currituck.k12.nc.us/contactboe.htmlhttp://www.currituck.k12.nc.us/contactboe.html CrawfordMoyock

19. BOE Townships

20. Superintendent ► Hired by the BOE. ► Makes the budget, oversees all personnel, carries out school operations and policies. ► Alison Osmon is Currituck Co.’s Superintendent.

21. Sherriff ► Elected to 4-year term in all counties in NC. ► Currituck County’s Sherriff is Susan Johnson. ► Major duties are to oversee law enforcement in the county. ► Compiles the budget for the department and hires the deputies. Also oversees animal control division in our county.

22. Exit Quiz 14 1. Who gives local governments the power to exist? 2. What is the legislature of all NC counties? 3. What are local laws called? 4. What is the chief executive of a school district in NC called? 5. How many NC counties are there? 6. How many municipalities are in Currituck County?