Vocab CG6 Local Governments in Georgia

Sheriff

an individual who is responsible for enforcing the law, maintaining the peace, and serving as the jailer for a county government.

Tax Commissioner

an individual who is responsible for receiving tax returns, maintaining tax records, and paying taxes for a county government.

Clerk of the Superior Court

primary record keeper for the county.

Judge of the Probate Court

an individual who oversees property deeds, marriage licenses, wills, and supervises elections in a county government.

County Commissioner/Board of Commissioners

power to adopt ordinances, oversee the daily operations of a county's government.

County Commissioners

a group of individuals that have the power to adopt ordinances and oversee the daily operations of a county's government.

City Manager

an individual hired by a city government who is responsible for running the day to day operations for the city.

Special Purpose Districts

government entities created to serve a special function for the state or community.

Strong Mayor Government

a form of city government where the major holds major responsibilities and powers including acting as the city's chief executive officer, administering the city's budget, and vetoing legislation passed by the city council.

Weak Mayor Council

a form of city government where the mayor holds some responsibilities, but the city council holds the majority of the power, duties, and responsibilities.

Municipality

a city or town.

Municipal Charter

a written document that sets up the structure of a city government.

Ad Valorem Tax

A tax based on the value of a transaction or of property; usually paid at the time of transaction.

Franchise Tax

A tax placed on the purchase, sale, rental, storage, use or consumption of tangible property.

Excise Tax

a tax placed on public utilities.

Regulatory Fees

mandatory fees that are required for a business or a professional to operate within a county.

Non-Tax Revenue

Non-tax sources can generate funds for municipalities and counties to operate.