Local GovernmentSOL 8A

Units of Local Government

Counties

Towns

Cities

Local government exercise executive, legislative, and judicial power

***Get their power from the state constitution

Board of Supervisors

Acts as legislative branch

Positions are elected

Enact ordinances Local laws

Adopt annual budget

School Board

Oversees all K-12 schools

Elected positions

Superintendent works closely with school board

Judicial Branch

State courts resolve judicial disputes

Circuit court

District court

Juvenile and domestic relations court

Small claims court Damages cannot exceed $5,000

Elected Positions

Sheriff In charge of county police

Clerk of circuit court In charge of maintaining court records

Commissioner of revenue Assess property and other types of private

property Can help file taxes

Treasurer Receive, record, and deposit money collected

from various taxes

Individuals

Have the greatest influence in local government

Counties vs. Cities

Not all counties and cities have the same powers

Cities have charters listing their power