The Corporation of Hamilton has made headlines recently after the Government pledged to reform the municipalities and paid consultants $800,000 to look at ways to "absorb" the Corporation and "oversee" a plan to "transfer" its operations to Government.

Despite the increased focus on who should run the Corporation and whether it should exist this many have wondered, what does the Corporation actually do and who is in charge of it?

The Royal Gazette takes a look at what the Corporation does.

Ultimately the 200-year-old institution is an elected body of people responsible for running the City of Hamilton.

This means the Corporation is responsible for everything from trash collection to the upkeep of Hamilton's parks as well as ensuring the city is safe for residents and visitors by installing CCTV cameras. Also under its remit are the sidewalks and road crossings.

It is also responsible for developing the city, including projects such as the Hamilton Waterfront and Par-la-Ville Hotel.

Currently the Corporation owns 32 buildings across the city and reviews all Planning applications to build or renovate property in the City, making its recommendations to the Planning Department.

The Corporation operates with a full-time staff of some 130 employees and an annual budget of approximately $21 million. A large part of their revenue, approximately 40 percent, is generated from taxes on businesses and homes in the city. Another 35 percent comes from a fee placed on all goods passing through the Port of Hamilton. It also earns revenue from parking fees and other miscellaneous fees.

The Corporation is made up of the Mayor, three Aldermen and five Councillors, none of whom are paid for their roles.

The legislation governing the Corporation, the 1923 Municipalities Act, has been described as "archaic" by the Government — something Mayor Charles Gosling acknowledged last night — but some feel it still serves a purpose.

In order to change the legislation amendments must be made in the House of Assembly by MPs. Mayor Gosling said several recommendations were made back in 2008 to reform the legislation — including one to increase voters registration — but have yet to be acted on by Minister Walter Roban, who is responsible for the reform.

Elections are held every three years, with all those who own or occupy a home or business within City limits eligible to run. These members serve on various committees dedicated to the running of the City, each presided over by an Alderman.

In order to vote in the elections a person must be over 18 and have owned or occupied a property or business within the city for three months prior to registration. They must also be a Commonwealth citizen or possess Bermudian status and have lived on the Island for three years prior to applying. They must also not be more than three months in arrears in Corporation taxes.

Previously some have questioned if the voting laws were outdated and queried why only 75 voters in the 2008 election were residents when 725 residents of the City of Hamilton are registered to vote in general elections.