Local governments
Local governments are created by the state legislature and, in a sense, exist at the pleasure of the state. This means the legislature may abolish them, change them, or give them increased or decreased powers and duties, as it chooses.
Local units of government play a critical role in helping the state carry out its numerous responsibilities. The state depends on local governments to carry out state programs and enforce laws. Mandates from state government provide much of the direction for local government work. Within the limits of statutory law, each local government unit has the power to tax, make legally binding rules (ordinances and resolutions), and deliver their own services.
In Wisconsin, the general purpose local units of government consist of counties (72), cities (189), villages (395), and Towns (1,266). Special purpose units of government—such as lake districts and sanitary district and school districts—serve particular needs.
Counties
Wisconsin’s 72 counties perform two important functions simultaneously; preserving and protecting local interests, and acting as the agents of state government. Counties are often called agents of the state because they are required to carry out administration of state programs like the court system or implementing statewide shoreland zoning rules) or enforce certain state laws. Chapter 59, Wisconsin Statutes, contains most of the state laws pertainpertaining to county government. The statutes describe a wide variety of duties and permissive authority the legislature has assigned to the county and its officers. It is up to the individual county board to determine how to use the powers delegated by the legislature. Counties may only undertake functions that are expressly granted them by state statutes.
A county board carries out its duties and exercises its powers by passing ordinances and resolutions that have the effect of local law. An ordinance is a local law prescribing rules of conduct that are enforceable by officials of the local unit of government. Ordinances are intended to be a permanent part of the governmental code. Resolutions are usually less permanent and deal with matters which are temporary in character. They are more often used to grant special privileges, express opinions, or to communicate with other governmental bodies. A resolution may be used to adopt a budget.
A county board may establish as many standing and advisory committees as it deems necessary to conduct its business. These usually are created by ordinance or resolution. Wisconsin county boards also have standing committees assigned to major subject areas such as public safety and planning/zoning matters.
Counties, cities, villages and towns also have the ability to make local ordinances to strengthen lake protections beyond statewide minimum standards. Shoreland zoning, boating, and placement of piers are some common examples of lake issues local governments have addressed through ordinances. Many counties have also developed lake classification systems.
Interpreting county ordinances (PDF 25 KB)
Wisconsin county websites (exits site)
Wisconsin ordinances (exits site)
Overview of land use policy makers: who’s who and what they do
Cities, towns, and villages
Cities and villages have broad authority to act for the health, welfare and safety of their citizens. Although there are some organizational differences between cities and villages, for the most part, they exercise the same powers. Cities and villages, often referred to as “incorporated areas,” and govern areas where populations are more concentrated. As a result, they generally offer more diverse services than do counties and towns.
Towns, like counties, have only those powers granted by the Wisconsin Statutes. The town’s primary activities focus on maintaining roads, providing public improvements, and enforcing regulations as required by state and county government. Larger towns (which are the exception rather than the rule) may establish fire and police services, create zoning and building regulations, provide water and sewers, operate parks and recreation facilities, and enforce health regulations. As noted, however, larger towns with specialized services are the exception.
Cities, villages, and towns can have a role in environmental protection through land use planning and passage of ordinances. Lake groups have successfully worked with town governments to pass pier ordinances and boating ordinances. Local citizens have worked with city, village, and town governments to pass phosphorus free lawn fertilizer ordinances. Cities and villages can dramatically affect water quality through their wastewater treatment and sewerage systems.
Wisconsin ordinances (exits site)
Overview of land use policy makers: who’s who and what they do
