Forms of Local GovernmentThe bases of government and authority of counties, cities, and special districts are set forth in the State Constitution and Government Code. Counties in California are responsible for providing limited services to unincorporated areas. The state legislature created the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) in 1963 to control the fragmentation of local government. The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) gives counties the authority to tax, create special districts, and annex unincorporated land to cities within the county (League of Women Voters, 1992). There are three classes of county government. The main differences lie in the organization and selection of governing bodies and officers. General law counties elect their supervisors by district and charter counties may elect at-large or by district. Charter counties have more freedom to write their charters, determining the powers and duties of their leaders and whether they will be elected or appointed. The third class is consolidated cities and counties. San Francisco is the only city-county (League of Women Voters, 1992). Counties provide services mandated by law, but may also provide services specific to the needs of their community. Counties assess property values ​​and collect property taxes. Counties are governed by an elected council. These supervisors appoint executives to manage county functions. Counties receive revenue from state and federal programs. There are two types of municipalities (city/village). General law powers are defined by the state government code. The municipal government establishes municipal policy and promulgates and implements local ordinances. Municipal governments are responsible for providing services that directly affect the lives of their residents, such as policing...... middle of paper ......o.ca.gov/const.htmlCalifornia Special Districts Association, excerpt from: http: //csda.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=41Guide to California Government, Chapter 15, League of Women Voters of California, 14th edition 1992. Retrieved from: http:// www.smartvoter. org/gtg/ca/state/overview/county.htmlLeague of California Cities. Retrieved from: http://www.cacities.org/index.jspLin, Joanna and Brown send mixed message on top 5 funds (May 2011). Stateline: politics and state policy. Retrieved from: http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/brown-sends-mixed-message-first-5-funds-10366Public Policy Institute of California, www.ppic.orgUS Law, 2009 California Government Code - Section 6500-6536: Article 1. Joint competence agreements. Justia.com. Retrieved from: http://law.justia.com/codes/california/2009/gov/6500-6536.html