The California State Board of Equalization, founded in 1879, is managed by the State of California. The board serves the public through tax administration services. It collects sales, fuel, alcohol and tobacco taxes. The board provides revenues to support state and local government programs and services, including correctional, social welfare, natural resource management, and housing programs. The California State Board of Equalization also verifies cigarette and tobacco licenses. The board manages a property and special taxes department that administers private railroad car and timber yield tax programs. Its tax area services section is responsible for maintaining property tax rate area maps and special revenue district boundaries. The California State Board of Equalization employs a staff of more than 4,000 people.