Some rural communities also have an alcalde, a local magistrate who performs both administrative and judicial functions.
Mayors and councillors are directly elected to three-year terms, using the first past the post system.
According to the Government of Belize website, "urban authorities are responsible for street maintenance and lighting, drains, refuse collection and public cemeteries.
They "encourage and assist co-operation on economic and social development and general welfare", and can run community centres and advise the national government on the affairs of the locality.
In addition to presiding over local courts, alcaldes are responsible for managing communal land and act as school officers.