1. Chapter 16 Local Government – County/City E. Q
Chapter 16 Local Government – County/City E.Q.: Why does local government have more impact on our lives than other levels of government?

2. History of County Governments
In 1777, Georgia adopted its first
state constitution and the first
8 counties were formed (formerly
parishes)
State constitution requires county commission form of
government.
Created to serve as districts for carrying out state laws and programs.
1983 state constitution set the limit of 159 counties.

3. County Functions Provide courts of law (juvenile, probate, magistrate)
Hold county elections
Building and repairing county roads
Administering welfare programs
Provide services such as police and fire protection, libraries, and public transportation.

4. Write specific examples in your notes

5. County’s Governmental Organization
Board of Commissioners – power to adopt ordinances (local laws) and oversee daily operation of government.
Some other county officials: sheriff, tax commissioner
Tim Lee Commission Chairman

6. Where are we?
Write a statement describing the approximate geographical location of Cobb County.

7. Which counties around metro Atlanta have the highest population: Census Bureau
Discussion:
1.Which geographic region is the most densely populated?
2. Locate the Fall Line
3. What city is located in Chatham County?

8. What is a County Seat?
A city or town where the county government is located.
The county seat for Cobb County is Marietta.

9. SPLOST Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax
Voters approved in 2011 – 4 years tax to improve parks, transportation, infrastructure, etc.
Both Palmer and Kell High School were built with SLOST funds.

10. City Government There are over 500 cities and towns in Georgia.
A city or town (municipality) is established by a Charter (Where else have we heard this term?
Approved and incorporated by the General Assembly

11. Forms of City Government
3 Types:
Weak-mayor council
Mayor may share duties with city council; often “figure head” role.
Strong-mayor council
Mayor is the CEO of the city, runs day-to-day operations, manages budget, hires and fires, can veto legislation passed by city council
Typical of large cities such as ATL.
Council Manager (Kennesaw)
City Council sets city’s policy and hires City Manager
City Manager conducts day-to-day operations.

12. Typical City Services fire and police water and sewer streets
parks and recreation
planning and zoning
code enforcements
public transportation services
schools

13. Special Purpose Districts
Government entities created to serve a specific function for the state or community.
generally self-governing
Examples:
school districts
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
Public Housing Authority
Georgia Ports Authority
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

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