LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Constitution does not say anything about local governments. States were given powers in the Constitution, but are not able to do everything on their own. Because of this, states set up local governments to help make sure everything gets done. Not all local governments are given the same powers. Cities have “charters” that give them specific powers. The state constitution gives certain powers to the local governments and the General Assembly can give powers as well.

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Local governments exist for the people in that area. A city does not do things to benefit the counties. All it’s decisions are meant to improve the local area. Local governments can take any of three different forms. City County Town

CITIES A city has a mayor to lead the executive branch. The mayor can be elected by the people or by the city council A city has an elected city council to lead the legislative branch. The city council makes local ordinances(laws) and adopts an annual budget. A city has a school board who is either elected by the people or appointed by the city council. The school board helps manage the school district and deal with all school related issues A city can hire a manager. A manager works with the legislative branch to help oversee the local government.

COUNTIES A county has a board of supervisors to lead the legislative branch. The board of supervisors is elected by the people. They make local ordinances and adopt the annual budget. A county CAN hire a manager to help the legislative branch. A county also has a school board. It can be elected or appointed.

TOWNS Towns are part of the county. Towns have their own town councils to work as the legislative branch for the town. Town councils make ordinances for the town and adopt an annual budget. A mayor is elected either by the voters or the town council. Towns do not have their own school boards because they are owned by the county. A town usually doesn’t have the money to do everything a local government needs to, so they do what they can and borrow the rest from the county( usually fire and emergency, schools, police help if needed, etc.)

MORE All cities and counties are required to elect certain officials: Sheriff- Enforces the laws by arresting people and leading the police department Commissioner of the Revenue- In charge of the money coming in Treasurer- In charge of making the budget/spending money Clerk of the Circuit Court- Secretary for the court system. Makes all the major decisions for the court about when cases come through and scheduling things for the court.

JUDICIAL ISSUES Local judicial issues are handled by the state. Amherst county courts are not owned or kept up by the county. The state sets up those courts and pays for them. These courts can hear cases involving local laws or state laws.