nouns - In what contexts would I capitalize "city" and "county"?


In the following context, it is obvious that County is a proper noun and deserves capitalization.



Currently, Albemarle County has four main reservoirs.



However, in these other contexts below, I am not sure whether county and city would be considered proper nouns. Is a reference to a specific geographic area considered a proper noun?



The James River lies south of the county and has a tremendous flow rate.


The Ragged Mountain reservoir is located closest to the city of Charlottesville.



According to the Illinois Identity Standards, I should "not capitalize common nouns and various shortened forms of official names". In the first example, county is referring to a generic county, so I suspect it is a common noun (and can remain uncapitalized). In the second example, I am not sure whether city is proper (and consequently, whether to capitalize). On official documentation, this city is referred to as the "City of Charlottesville", but I have never heard anyone say it quite like that.


I would appreciate any clarification!




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