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Forms of Local Government Page 2 of2 In some communities the mayor or executive may assume a larger policy-making role, and responsibility for day-to-day operations is delegated to an administrator appointed by and responsible to the chief executive. The Mayor-Council Form VOTERS MAYOR --- COUNCIL I I I I DEPARTMENT HEADS Commission The commission form of government, characterized by an elected governing board that holds both legislative and executive powers, is the oldest form of government in America. A descendent of the old English shire-moot, or county governing board, the board is usually composed of three to five members, although the number varies. The board of commissioners is the county governing board, and serves as the head of the government. It has responsibility for adopting the budget, passing resolutions, and enacting ordinances and regulations. A number of other officials are also popularly elected, and serve as heads of some of the major county departments (although the number of these independently elected officials varies considerably, some of the most common are the sheriff, treasurer, and clerk). Town Meeting All qualified voters of the town gather on a given day (usually once a year, but more often if necessary) to dect a board of officers (selectmen) and to make policy decisions. The board of selectmen has the responsibility for carrying out the policy set by the citizens. In some towns a manager or administrator is appointed to carry out the administrative operations of the town. Representative Town Meeting The representative town meeting form of government is structured in much the same way as the tovvll meeting form, with the exception that a large number of citizens are chosen by the general electorate to represent them in voting. All citizens can attend the meetings and participate in debates, but only those chosen as representatives have a direct vote. http://www2.icma.org/upload/library/IQ/106142.htm 1/16/2003