Who's Who in Local Government

County Commissioner

Along with my fellow board members, I set the local property tax rate. We also adopt a county budget and pass ordinances, resolutions and orders to establish county policies. We also appoint a clerk to keep official records of our meetings, publish notices, conduct research, and carry out other administrative duties.

Clerk of Court

I am an elected official who guides the county court system, which is made up of district and superior courts. Although I am elected at the county level, all county courts are consolidated into a state court system; thus, I am officially an employee of the state.

Sherriff

I am elected by a county's citizens. I monitor the county jails, and provide police patrol and criminal investigations for the unincorporated areas.

Register of Deeds

I am elected by citizens to record legal documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and property deeds.

City Planner

I apply development ordinances to specific city proposals; I analyze planning issues; I prepare reports; I make presentations to citizens and to city council.

Librarian

I assist patrons by recommending and locating books, news materials and equipment; I classify published materials and recommend materials to be purchased

Clerk to the Board

I attend all meetings of the Board of County Commissioners; I draft minutes for the board's approval; I maintain custody of minutes, ordinances, and resolutions; I answer questions about board actions.

Sanitation Worker/Solid Waste Collector

I collect residential solid waste on an assigned route.

Mental Health Specialist/Rehabilitation Specialist

I help clients and their families assess needs and develop plans for developmentally disabled or mentally ill clients.

Social Worker/Child Support Agent

I initiate, prepare, and enforce child support orders for the Department of Social Services.

Detention Officer

I maintain order during daily routine at jail; I provide supervision for and ensure security of inmates.

Animal Control Officer

I pick up lost, dangerous or injured animals; I locate owners of lost animals; I order quarantines as necessary; I assist at the animal shelter

Pharmacist

I process prescription orders at the health department; I register and counsel patients; I maintain inventories of drugs and supplies.

Chief of Police

I provide law enforcement for the citizens of my municipality.

Tax Appraiser

I research and appraise residential, commercial or industrial properties for tax assessment purposes.

Traffic Engineer

I research traffic patterns; I monitor traffic computers; I recommend adjustments in traffic light signals to facilitate the flow of traffic.

EMT/Paramedic

I transport patients to local medical facilities and provide emergency medical aid and life-saving measures.

Community Disease Control Specialist/Public Health Specialist

I work for investigate cases of specific communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases; I identify contacts of the patient and refer individuals for treatment.

City Council Member

I, and my fellow board members, make official decisions for the city; we establish local tax rates, adopt a budget for the city, set policies for municipal services and pass ordinances.

City Manager

In a council-manager form of government, I serve as the administrative manager of all local government services. I serve at the pleasure of the City Council.

Mayor

In most NC cities, I am elected by the citizens to preside over the city or town council; I am typically the chief spokesperson for the municipality