A general law city operates under certain general conditions as specified by the state. Cities that operate under general law have services delivered to them by the county, special districts and internally. All new cities begin as general law cities. The advantage of a charter is increased power with regard to local control and government function. For example, a city can exceed the tax rate that is imposed on general law cities.
Charter allows people of a city to adjust their government to meet any special needs.
Charter law gives citizens the opportunity to establish the terms and number of city council members and impose other limitations upon their city council through a charter provision. A charter city has the ability to exercise certain greater powers, to custom-tailor it organization and elective offices and provide for unique local conditions that may not be covered by general laws. A five-person council and city manager manages the operations of a city. The people elect the five-person council and the council hires and appoints a city manager. Some larger cities have expanded the number of city council member positions to provide for greater representation of the entire city.