County and Local Government

US Government AP

Ohio Government

Constitution set settlement requirements to start a township

Townships would evolve to villages or towns, then cities

Cities would form counties

(we’re still old fashioned in Madison)

Townships

Must be run by 3 trusteesHave a square, church and schoolAnnual meeting/ElectionsRural/basic governmentLeast powerful govt. in the state

Village/Town

Once your population reaches 500 you can apply to be a V/T

IncorporatedNeed a charter, voter approvalCan annex township land

Cities

Populations over 5,000

Need a charter-Home Rule in Ohio

Need voter approval

Incorporated

Tax, elections, services

Counties

Groups of cities/towns/townships form a county

Need a charter, voter approval

County

The major unit of local government

Coordinates the local governments

Courts, finances, roads, safety, recreation, schools, elections

Lake County GovernmentAuditor

Clerk of Courts

Coroner

Engineer

Prosecutor

Recorder

Sheriff

Treasurer

Run by 3 Commissioners Elected executives (not appointed)

Services

Road maintenance Sheriff

Medical Welfare Programs

Tax collection, land value Libraries

Parks General Welfare/Safety

Lake County Offices

Board of Education LakeTranBoard of Elections Dog ShelterBuilding Inspectors Health DistrictEmergency Management AgencyJob and Family ServicesLake Metro Parks Solid WastePlanning Commission Utilities Dept.

Lake County Courts

Common pleas has 4 divisions

1. Juvenile

2. Probate

3. Domestic relations

4. General

Common Pleas

Municipal

Magistrate/Justice of the PeaceMayors

City Government

1. Mayor-council2. Council-manager3. Commission

Provide services, special districtsTown/village-same on a smaller scale

Services (some shared w/county)

Police Fire LibrariesStreets, sidewalks, bridgesAirports Bussing Parks/Pools Sports arenasGolf Courses SewersStreet lights Public Housing

Townships

3 trusteesProvide basic services to peoplePretty much powerless to other

governments

Revenue

County1. Business tax2. Sales tax3. Utilities

City1. Income tax2. Property tax3. Business tax4. Payroll tax5. Fees/Fines