counties

left|300px|map from Ecology In the United States side of the border the State of Washington delegates authorities to Local Governments called Counties. There are twelve counties bordering the Salish Sea. Counties must comply with State Law yet Washington is a Home Rule State, where any authority not explicitly exercised by the state is delegated to local governments. Shoreline Management, Flood Hazard Management, Land Use, Transportation Infrastructure are all substantively managed by county governments. Counties are governed by an elected council, and may contain many Special Purpose Districts. Often complex relationships are established among Counties, Municipalities and Districts. Counties raise revenue primarily through property taxes and assessments, liscenses and fees, and excise taxes. The largest costs are for pulbic works, largely transportation, and for law and order. Ecosystem management often occurs through a surface water management authority. Areas within counties may incorporate and form Municipalities which have their own governance.

Relationships


Source: counties on Salish Sea Wiki