What does a "Magistrate" do anyway?
To be a magistrate, one must be 24 years of age, a citizen of Kentucky, a resident of the state for 2 years, and a resident of the pertinent county and district for at least 1 year. Magistrates also must continue to live in the district they represent during their term of office.
The failure of a fiscal court member to attend 50 percent of the regular terms of the fiscal court, without good cause, will result in a charge of neglect of office and forfeit of the office. Criminal fines may be imposed.
Magistrates serve on the fiscal court. Statutes give the fiscal court a variety of powers. The court has authority to set the salaries of county officials, county employees, county road employees, county park employees, and county firemen.
The fiscal court may not spend in excess of county revenue. Fiscal court members may also be liable for violations of imposing county taxes and the spending of county funds. Each resolution that imposes a county tax must state the purpose of the tax. Failure to do this invalidates the tax.
Those who serve on the fiscal court cannot hold a personal interest in contracts let by the county for road work or any internal improvements. They cannot supervise
work on, or furnish materials for roads or bridges. Violations of this statute are punishable by fine, jail term, and forfeiture of office. Statutes prohibit personal interest in county contracts by fiscal court members, mayors, and council members of a local government.
What does a "Council member" do?
Council members function like a congressional body, proposing bills, holding votes, and passing laws. Roles of council members vary depending on city as mayors will either be a chairman of the board or a seperate executive entity.