Local GovernmentThree Types

Three Types of Local Governments

Counties

Cities

Special Districts

countiesCreated by the state legislature for carrying out

state laws and programs

County Seat

Cherokee County’s courthouse is located in Canton, GA

From 8 counties in 1777 to the maximum 159 in 1932.

Powers of County Government

1) Provides trial courts for the state judicial system

2) Conducts voter registration and state elections

3) Registering automobiles-state tags are purchased at a county office

4) Provide parks and recreational facilities

5) Provide public health facilities

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency

cities (municipalities)A community that has been officially created by

the state legislature

What does a charter do?

-It creates the city, gives it an official name and defines its

boundaries.

-It also, describes its form of government and defines the

government’s power.

City Services

-Police and fire protection

-Water and sewer services

-Garbage pickup and streetlights

-Citizens living in unincorporated parts of the county pay less taxes,

but receive fewer services.

Differences in how they are established…

Counties• Established by the state

legislature• Serve as administrative

districts for the state government

Cities• Formed when people want

services not provided by the county

• Petition legislators when• Min. 200 people

• At least 3 miles from any other city

• At least 60% developed

Mayor-Council Government

with a “Strong” Mayor

-Mayor prepares the budget, makes appointments, has an administrative assistant who

oversees departments, can veto council legislation

-City Council has limits set on its power, only helps decide on

policies

Mayor-Council Government

with a “Weak” Mayor

-Mayor recommends ordinances and appoints department heads

with council approval

-Council decides policies, makes laws, and oversees departments

Council-ManagerGovernment

-Mayor can preside over council meetings, but has no administrative power.

-Council decides on laws and policies.

-City Manager appointed by council to oversee departments and run day to day operations

special districts (authorities)

Small government units set up by the legislature, or by city or county ordinance, to provide a single

service

Three examples of special districts

HospitalsSchool Districts

Public Transportation

Advantages of creating special districts

• 1) Quick response to a problem

• 2) No limit on borrowing money like there is on counties and cities

• 3) They can charge fees to users in order to pay back the funds borrowed• Add a service without raising taxes