Town, Township, and Village Governments

Intro  Many counties serve only as election districts  Real work of local government carried on by others  All counties must share local government with others

Development  Towns began in colonies  Each colony received land from the king  Built homes and churches  Edge of town -farms As long as the farm was in the town limits, was part of the town

Development  New Amsterdam—set up village government  Outlying parts were not considered part of the village  Came under the rule of county government  As people pushed West, Pennsylvania settlements were called towns or boroughs

Early Town Govt  Town meeting—all residents, and people from surrounding farms meet to: Discuss issues and problems Decide how they should be handled  Every citizen had a chance to speak

Town Meetings Today  Usually held in spring A notice is posted Time and business to be discussed  Town elections are held Selectmen Responsible for managing the town’s affairs during the town meeting

Town Meetings Today  Voters discuss the town’s business- from past year to coming year  Elect moderator to preside over this part of the meeting Voters are asked for their opinions When discussion ends, they vote by voice

Representative  Representative Town Meeting: Voters elect representatives to attend the town meetings and make decisions for them  Work well in small areas  Some towns hire managers instead of having meetings

Township Govt  Early townships served same purpose as towns  Today Decreased in importance City and county govt has taken over in some areas  Townships have leader  Voters elect board of commissioners  Constable—enforce laws, justice of the peace, tries minor cases

Special Districts  Must ask state for charter  Special districts have been formed to meet many needs Sewage disposal, fire protection, parks and recreation centers, libraries, and public transportation Elected officials oversee the area Most common is for schools

Village and Borough Governments  If Rural communities grow to people  A request to establish a village must be sent to the state legislature  If approved, it permits the village to establish self- government  Governed by 3-9 member council  Board of trustees carry out law  Most work part time