CITies vs. counties
CORE FACTS
CITY
Definition: A city is a local government governed by a mayor and city council, providing services to residents within defined boundaries.
Oversight: The city is overseen by a mayor and a city council. The size of a city council varies from city to city. Smaller cities may have 5-7 members, while larger cities can have 15 or more members.
Elections: The mayor and city council members are elected by city residents. Terms for both mayors and city council members are usually either 2 or 4 years, depending on the city.
Law Enforcement: Policing is typically handled by a city police department, which enforces laws within the city limits. A city’s police department is overseen by the Chief of Police, who is appointed (not voted on) by either the mayor or someone called the city manager (a position appointed by the city council).
Services Provided: A city is responsible for services such as:
- local roads
- public transportation
- water supply
- waste management
- parks
- libraries
- fire protection
Judicial Services: A city may have courts with judges who handle minor legal matters such as traffic violations, misdemeanors, and city law violations. Judges are either appointed or elected, depending on the city's system.
COUNTY
Definition: A county is a larger region that may encompass multiple cities, towns, or rural areas, providing regional governance and services.
Oversight: Governed by a board of county commissioners or supervisors, who make decisions collectively on county-wide matters. The size of a board varies from county to county, but typically is between 3-5 members. Some very large counties can have more than 5 members on their board of commissioners.
Elections: County commissioners or supervisors are elected by county residents, often separated by districts. Almost all county commissioner terms are 4 years, but some smaller counties do have 2-year terms.
Law Enforcement: Law enforcement is managed by the county sheriff's office, which has jurisdiction over non-city areas and sometimes supports a city’s policy department. The sheriff’s office is overseen by the County Sheriff, who is elected by the people of a county and who also usually serves a 4-year term.
Services Provided: A county is responsible for services such as:
- county roads
- public health services (such as health clinics, compliance with health and safety standards)
- larger regional parks
- court systems
- jails
- social services (such as Medicaid, child protection services and unemployment services
- emergency management (dealing with disasters)
Judicial Services: A county operates courts with judges who handle more serious legal matters, including felony cases, civil disputes, and family law. County judges may be elected or appointed, depending on the state and county regulations.