The city of Colorado Springs and El Paso County are separate governments with separate work forces, governing boards and revenue sources. The city and county are supported by separate property taxes, sales taxes, vehicle ownership taxes, state and federal grants and fees.

CITY

Policymakers

The city is overseen by an elected nine-member policymaking City Council, whose members serve part time and are paid $6,250 a year. Council pay is approved by voters.

The city manager carries out policies and runs city operations.

Responsibilities

The city’s responsibilities include law enforcement, firefighting, parks, road repair and maintenance, development review and business licensing. It also runs city elections.

The city’s self-supporting enterprises include Colorado Springs Utilities, Memorial Health System, Colorado Springs Airport, Stormwater Enterprise, parking garages, development review, cemeteries and two golf courses.

COUNTY

Policymakers

The county is governed by five full-time elected members of the Board of County Commissioners, who are paid $87,300 a year. The county administrator oversees county operations.

The county has other elected officials, including the treasurer, assessor, clerk and recorder, and coroner, who also are paid $87,300. The sheriff is paid $111,100. County elected officials’ pay is set by the state Legislature.

Responsibilities

The county’s obligations include assessment of property for tax purposes, collection of property taxes, elections, recording of property transactions, issuing marriage licenses, hazardous waste disposal, autopsies, jail construction and operation, criminal prosecution, courthouse operations and the Health Department.

It also records foreclosures, operates the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, issues food stamps and investigates abuse and neglect cases.

In the unincorporated area, the county provides law enforcement, road maintenance and repair and development review.

Michael Mayra, left, congratulated teammate Jacques Lamoureux after scoring against Bentley on Nov. 1. Lamoureux scored the game-winning goal against Sacred Heart on Friday. Photo by KIRK SPEER, THE GAZETTE