Topic: Part 4- Georgia’s Local Governments Standard: SS8CG5 EQ: What is the difference between our counties and cities? 1 1

Who Want’s To Be A Millionaire Today’s Game Plan Notes Which County Is Which? Who Want’s To Be A Millionaire 2 2

County Governments -Just as the United States is subdivided into 50 states, so the state of Georgia is subdivided into 159 counties (more than any other state except Texas). Maximum amount by the constitution -Georgia’s first permanent state constitution, the Constitution of 1777, established the state’s first eight counties -The earliest county structures in each county were a courthouse and a jail. -Counties are ran/governed by an elected commissioner or a board of commissioners -Georgia is unique because it is the only state in the U.S. that allows counties to choose between a single commissioner or a board of commissioners.

County Services County officials deal with basic state services and enforce state policies within county boundaries: conduct Georgia’s elections and voter registration set up state courts and probate courts administer public assistance (welfare) build and maintain county roads collect motor vehicle taxes and issue car tags maintain property record; carry out county health departments disease-prevention measures (vaccines, flu shots)

City Governments *Each county contains multiple cities *Georgia has 535 cities *Must receive a charter from the state to create a new town (200 residents, at least 3 miles away from nearest town, 2/3 of land used for residential and business) *Mayor council or council management system *Power to provide local police, license businesses, maintain streets and sidewalks, control traffic, provide water and sewage services *A city operating on its own is called a municipality

Circle the appropriate response Which Is Which? City Vs. County Circle the appropriate response 159 City County Both 535 Can be created by a charter from the state Run Schools

A city or town (municipality) is established by a Municipal Charter, which is a written document that sets up its governmental structure including the type of government boundaries, and powers it will have. Some of the services a city may provide include police and fire protection, schools, taxes, and streets and water service.

Forms of Municipal Government Municipal governments come in different forms. In all forms residents elect members to a city council (the legislative branch). The forms differ according to the make-up of the executive branch. Weak Mayor-Council – Has a weak mayor. Mayor is elected by the voters. Role is primarily ceremonial. May appoint department heads. The council enacts ordinances, sets policies, shares job of carrying out laws, and takes lead in developing city budget. Smyrna has this type of government Strong Mayor-Council – Has a powerful mayor. Mayor is elected by voters in the city and can veto legislation passed by the city council. The mayor can also choose people to run the city’s services and runs the city’s budget. Atlanta and Macon are examples Council-Manager – City set up like a corporation. The city has a City Manager (head of the Executive Branch). The City Manager decides who is in charge of city services and runs the city’s budget. The mayor may be elected citywide or selected by city council from among its members. Example: Valdosta and Savannah Kasim Reed Atlanta’s Mayor

Council-Manager Form

Which form of city government matches the following description? a. Voters elect city council members b. The mayor is a member of the council c. The council hires someone else to carry out the policies the council creates a. Voters elect the mayor b. The mayor only serves as a figurehead for ceremonial activities and city council meetings a. Voters elect the council members b. The mayor has legislative, executive, and veto powers a B C

Difference between City and County Governments 1. Origins: Counties are created by the state constitution, while cities are created by a charter from the state legislature, the General Assembly. 2. Services: Counties and cities must agree on who provides what service, in order to avoid duplication. Sometimes, there is conflict between county and city jurisdiction. 3. Form of Government: Counties have a county commission while cities have one of three government forms: strong mayor, weak mayor, or council manager

Special Purpose Districts In addition to County and City government, Georgia also has a form of local government, established by cities or counties to meet specific needs, called Special-Purpose Districts or Administrations Special-Purpose Administrations are sometimes funded by loans or user fees (not taxes). • Special-Purpose Administrations are flexible, can provide services across county or city lines, and have a single need. • Examples of Special-Purpose Administrations include Schools- 159 county school systems and 21 independent city school systems exist in Georgia Downtown Development Authorities – Maintain and rebuild the downtowns of cities. Recreation and Parks Authorities – Maintain and develop land for ___________ and recreation areas in counties. Housing Authorities – Manage housing options in counties. School Districts Ex. MARTA , SPLOST, Local Schools, Hartsfield Jackson

Local and State Governments Work Together Counties (usually not cities) work together to administer state programs. *Every county in Georgia conducts local courts, voter registration and elections *There are 4 major county positions that help counties run state programs 1. Sheriff – the chief law enforcement official in a county. 2. Tax Commissioner – tax collection. 3. Clerk of the Superior Court – keeps court records, administers oaths, and is the keeper of the court seal. 4. Judge of the Probate Court – oversees estates, marriages, adoptions, name changes, etc.

Local Governments Define the term “special-purpose district” Give 2 examples of special purpose districts The city of College Park is ran with a council manager. The city of Atlanta is ran by a strong mayor council. What is the difference between the two models? Give 3 differences between city & county governments What are 4 positions that help counties run state programs? Local Governments

Which Government is It? Evaluate 4 cities Determine which type of government the city functions under Cite from the text actual examples which supports your analysis