Unit 5: Local Government Georgia Performance Standards: SS8CG5: The student will analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia.

Local Government Many of the day-to-day services that you use are provided by local government. Examples: Police and Fire Departments, roads, road signs, and traffic lights Local government focuses on the needs of the citizens, and their services are based on available funds (taxes). Voters elect the officials who run county and city governments.

County Government The county that you live in has a county seat (oldest city in the county), which has government offices and courts located there. Most money that county governments need in order to operate come from: Funds from the federal & state governments Taxes & fees from local residents A. Property Taxes: Taxes paid on the value of land and buildings owned by people. B. Sales Taxes: Taxes paid on purchases & services C. Special Purpose Taxes: Taxes that pay for special projects (build new schools, jails, road, etc.) D. Fees: Fines & penalties, licenses, and permits County commissioners set the policies and ordinances (laws/rules) in counties.

City Government Cities in Georgia have one of three forms of government: Weak Mayor-Council: The elected city council has more power than the mayor. Strong Mayor-Council: The elected mayor is the city’s chief executive officer and is responsible for seeing that they city’s laws are carried out and each departments do their jobs. Council-Manager: A city manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. The elected officials balance the needs of the city’s residents against the money available. They work to provide as many services as possible to the residents.

Douglas County, Georgia County Seat is Douglasville Created in 1870 Named in honor of U.S. Senator and Vice President of the Confederate States of America (during the Civil War), Stephen Douglas. 17th largest county in Georgia 133rd county created in Georgia

Douglas County, Georgia Sheriff Phil Miller Mayor James Dennis

Douglas County, Georgia The City of Douglas has a council-manager form of government. This means that the Board of Commissioners sets policy, and the city manager’s office oversees the day-to-day operations of the city. The city manager's responsibilities include: Carrying out the commission’s policies Hiring, terminating, and supervising government staff Preparing a budget Serving as the commission’s chief advisor City Manager is Terrell Jacobs

Douglas County, Georgia Board of Commissioners The citizens of Douglas County are represented by six commissioners and a mayor: James Dennis, Mayor Richard Hutchinson, Commissioner Ward One Marty Swain, Commissioner Ward Two Olivia Pearson, Mayor Pro-Tem, Commissioner Ward Three Dennis Josey, Commissioner Ward Four Ronnie Anderson, Commissioner Ward Five Bob Moore, Commissioner Ward Six http://ga-douglas.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=175

Douglas County, Georgia Chief of Police, Gary Casteloes Douglas County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Gordon Pritz

Douglas County, Georgia School Board Members A five member elected board governs the Douglas County School System. The Douglas County Board of Education is charged with the power of authority to maintain, finance, and make policies to govern the public schools within its jurisdiction. The superintendent is appointed by the board and is charged with the responsibility of administering the public school program of the Douglas County Board of Education. D.T. Jackson Michael Miller Janet Kelley Dr. Sam Haskell Jeff Morris