County and City Government | American Government for High School - Grade 11 PDF Download

Introduction

County and municipal governments are essential components of local governance in the United States, each with unique structures and responsibilities. Counties oversee broader regions, while municipalities focus on localized services within cities, towns, or villages. Together, they provide critical services to enhance community well-being.

Local governments adopt various structures, such as commission systems, council-administrator models, and mayor-council setups. County officials, including sheriffs and clerks, manage specific functions, while departments handle areas like public works and health services. Special districts and intergovernmental agreements further support efficient local governance.

County and Municipal Government Structures and Responsibilities

County vs. Municipal Government Differences

• County governments, as administrative arms of the state, cover larger geographic areas and are responsible for maintaining rural highways, operating county jails and courts, delivering public health services (e.g., immunizations, disease control), and collecting property taxes. 
• Municipal governments, governing incorporated cities, towns, or villages, focus on localized services such as maintaining city streets and sidewalks, providing water and sewer utilities, operating city police and fire departments, and enforcing zoning and building codes.
• Funding for counties primarily comes from property taxes, state and federal grants, and, in some states, county sales taxes. Municipalities rely on property taxes, city sales taxes, user fees (e.g., utility bills), and municipal bonds for revenue.

Types of Local Government Structures

County government structures include:

• Commission System: An elected board of commissioners acts as both the legislative and executive body.
• Council-Administrator System: An elected county council serves as the legislative body, with an appointed county administrator managing daily operations.
• Council-Elected Executive System: An elected county council legislates, while a separately elected county executive serves as the chief executive officer.

Municipal government structures include:

• Mayor-Council System: An elected mayor acts as the chief executive, with an elected city council serving as the legislative body.
• Council-Manager System: An elected city council legislates, while an appointed city manager oversees daily operations.
• Commission System: An elected commission handles both legislative and executive functions, with each commissioner overseeing specific areas like public works or finance.

Some municipalities operate under home rule charters, which grant greater autonomy in local governance.

Roles of County Officials and Departments

• County Sheriff: Maintains law and order in unincorporated areas, manages county jails, and serves warrants and court orders.
• County Clerk: Keeps official county records (e.g., property deeds, marriage licenses), issues licenses and permits, and oversees elections (e.g., voter registration, ballot counting).
• County Assessor: Appraises property values for tax assessments.
• County Treasurer: Collects property taxes and other revenues, managing county funds and investments.
• County Public Works Department: Maintains county roads, bridges, and infrastructure (e.g., snow removal, traffic signals).
• County Health Department: Provides public health services (e.g., vaccinations), conducts health inspections (e.g., restaurants), and responds to health emergencies (e.g., disease outbreaks).
• County Social Services Department: Administers welfare programs (e.g., food stamps, Medicaid) and supports low-income residents (e.g., housing vouchers).

Additional Local Government Entities and Practices

• Special districts are independent entities created to deliver specific services, such as fire protection or water management, across jurisdictional boundaries. 
• Municipalities may expand through annexation of adjacent unincorporated areas. Local governments often enter intergovernmental agreements to share resources and enhance service efficiency. 
• City councils and county commissions enact local ordinances to address community-specific needs and regulations.

Key Terms

• Public Health Services: Programs and resources provided by government and community organizations to prevent disease, extend life, and enhance community health and well-being.
• County Assessor: A local official responsible for valuing real property to determine property tax assessments, ensuring fair revenue collection.
• County Health Department: A local agency promoting and protecting public health through services like vaccinations, health inspections, and emergency responses.
• Annexation: The process by which a territory integrates into a larger political entity, either voluntarily or by force, affecting governance and administration.
• Intergovernmental Agreements: Formal arrangements between government entities to collaborate on shared responsibilities, resources, and decision-making.
• County Jails: Local correctional facilities operated by counties to house individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences (typically under one year).
• Zoning Regulations: Laws governing land use and development to guide community growth, implemented by local governments.
• County Clerk: An official managing county records, issuing licenses, and overseeing elections.
• County Sheriff: The chief law enforcement officer in a county, responsible for public safety, jail operations, and serving legal documents.
• Charter: A formal document outlining the structure, powers, and responsibilities of a governmental or organizational entity.
• Council-Administrator System: A local government structure with an elected council legislating and an appointed administrator managing operations.
• Special Districts: Independent governmental units providing specific services (e.g., fire protection) within defined areas, separate from counties or cities.
• County Treasurer: An elected official managing county finances, including revenue collection and fund disbursement.
• Council-Manager System: A municipal structure where an elected council legislates, and an appointed manager handles administrative duties.
• County Sales Tax: A local tax levied by counties on goods and services, supplementing state sales tax to fund public services.
• Council-Elected Executive System: A structure where the council, as the legislative body, elects one member to serve as the executive head (e.g., council president).
• County Social Services Department: A local agency administering welfare programs and supporting community well-being.
• Local Streets: Small-scale roads providing access to properties, businesses, and neighborhoods within a city or county.
• Home Rule: The principle granting local governments autonomy to govern without state interference on local matters.
• County Public Works Department: A county agency managing infrastructure like roads, bridges, and utilities.
• Mayor-Council System: A municipal structure with an elected mayor as the chief executive and a city council as the legislative body.
• County Government: A local administrative division providing essential services and governing areas below the state level.
• Property Taxes: Taxes based on property value, a key revenue source for local governments to fund services and infrastructure.
• Municipal Bonds: Debt securities issued by local governments to finance public projects, offering investors interest payments and principal repayment.
• Local Ordinances: Laws enacted by local governments to address specific community needs, complementing state and federal laws.
• County Roads: Local roads maintained by counties, connecting rural and suburban areas to larger highways.
• City Police: Law enforcement agencies maintaining public safety and enforcing laws within municipal boundaries.
• City Sales Tax: A municipal tax on goods and services, funding local services and infrastructure.
• Municipal Government: A local governing body administering a city or town, providing services and maintaining order under state authority.
• Commission System: A local government structure where elected commissioners handle both legislative and executive duties, overseeing specific departments.