Local Government

SSGC5: The student will analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia

a. a. Explain the origins, functions, purposes, and differences of county ad city governments in Georgia.

b. Compare and contrast the weak mayor-council, the strong mayor-council, and the council-manager forms of city government.

c. Describe the functions of special-purpose governments.

d. Evaluate the role of local government working with state agencies to administer state programs.

Counties Cities

Special Districts

The Three Forms of Local Governments

CountiesCounties were created

by the state legislature to serve a districts for carrying out state laws and programs.

The county government is led by its county board of commissioners

Commissioners are elected by county voters and serve 4 year terms

County Governments are set up to complete:1. County Policies2. Adopt county ordinances (laws)3. Determine the county’s budget and

tax rates4. Provide county services

The County Governing Body

1. The Sheriff2. The Tax Commissioner3. The Clerk of the Superior

Court4. The Judge of the Probate

Court

County voters also elect:

Paulding County’s Chairman of the Board:

David Austin

The County Commissioners appoint a county administrator, county manager, or a Chairman of the Board who will carry out day-to-day operations of

the government.

City GovernmentsCities are established by

a charter from the state legislature because people living in that area want certain services that the county does not provide such as:

• Police protection• Business licenses• Street maintenance

• Traffic control• Water and sewer

systems

Municipality- A city

operating its own

government

Three Types of City Governments

Mayor-Council: Divides the power between an elected city council and an elected mayor• Council= Passes laws (city’s legislative

branch)• Mayor=Enforces the laws passed by

the council and has the power of veto (city’s chief executive )

Strong-

Mayor-Counci

l

Weak-Mayor-Counci

l

Council-

Manager

System

Three Types of City Government

Strong-Mayor-CouncilMayor has a

great deal of power and influence over the council

Council-Manager

Council makes laws and policiesCity manager (hired by council) oversees day-to-

day city operations and

appoints heads of city departments

Department heads report to city manager who

reports to council

Weak-Mayor-CouncilMayor’s powers are very limited• Rarely gets veto

powerMayor is

more of a figurehead

City and county governments are general-purpose forms of local government

meaning they exist for many different reasons.

Special Purpose Districts The 3rd type

of local government

Set up by the legislature of a city or county ordinance for a single purpose

There are two types of Special Purpose Districts

School Districts

Special District

s

School DistrictsState and federal governments provide money and

make rules for public educationLocal school districts are in charge of the day-to-day

responsibilities for running the schoolsEach school district has is own elected

school board which decides:what the budget

should be.where the schools

should be built.sets the curriculum.hires the

superintendent to run the schools.

Special DistrictsSpecial Districts

provide a necessary services.

Usually has the power to tax.

Run by a governing board which may be elected or appointed.

Provide such services as:• Fire Protection• Ambulance Services• Libraries• Transportation (Ex. MARTA)• College Police

Departments

AdvantagesOffer efficient

way to respond to an urgent problem

Can readily borrow money for its projects

They can charge fees to users and raise money to pay back the funds borrows

Allows local governments to provide a service without having to raise taxes

Disadvantages

Usually don’t receive any publicity and their governing boards are rarely elected which means they may not be responsive to public opinion

If there are too many of them (each serving their own purpose) they may not work well with each other

Tax Revenue

Georgia’s General Assembly determines how revenue will be collected.

The Department of Revenue is a state executive agency which administers and collects most of the state’s revenue.

The Governor is the state’s budget director.

Revenue- money that the government makes

Tax Revenue

Main source of tax revenue for Georgia:• State: Income tax

and sales tax• Local: Property

and sales taxDifferent revenue

sources: Taxes Fees

Lottery funds

Tax Revenue

Different revenue sources:

Taxes Fees

Lottery fundsMain source of tax

revenue for Georgia:• State: Income tax

and sales tax• Local: Property

and sales tax

Where does our state spend the money it collects?

Where does our state spend the money it collects?

Local Government Ticket out the Door

Your city has decided to investigate the possibility of changing its form of government. You are a concerned citizen and you want what is best for your town but you know little about the various forms of city government. Being a good citizen, you decide to investigate the three major forms of city government because you want to know enough to speak at the open meeting scheduled to give citizens the chance to state their views on the possible change. The three forms of city government are:

* Weak-Mayor Council* Strong-Mayor Council* Council Manager or City Manager

In one paragraph defend the type of government you think Dallas, Georgia should have. When supporting your decision, you need to also address why you decided against the other two forms.

(Make sure you consider the number of positions within each type, what type would work best in large cities and/or small towns, and the possible cost of running such a government.)