Common board of commissioners responsibilities are outlined below.
1. Enact County Ordinances
Proposed ordinances receive a reading before the board of commissioners. The board must adopt the proposed ordinance by a majority vote before it becomes law. Examples of local ordinances enacted by the board of commissioners include local speed limits, public health issues, zoning restrictions, and snow removal.
The board may enforce its ordinances with financial penalties for violations rather than in court. Ordinances only apply within the board’s local jurisdiction, not an entire state.
2. Approve County Budgets
State and federal money make up a big part of county revenues. Therefore, part of the board’s responsibility is to approve the county’s budget to appropriate funds for county activities, such as:
- Building and maintaining roads
- Passing and enforcing civil and criminal laws, not in conflict with state laws
- Earmarking special funds for parks, human services, libraries, county fairs, and emergency services
- Setting aside funds for sewer, water, and trash services
- Creating funds for capital projects.
The board may include a county finance committee to approve financial decisions.
3. Oversee County Spending
The board of commissioners does not merely set county policies. As the executive branch of local government, the board must also oversee county spending. Some counties may have a board member with a particular skill set in budget management who fulfills this duty. Other boards hire a county administrator or similar staff person to help with the executive duties, such as oversight.
4. Hire County Employees
Part of the board’s executive powers lies in its authority to hire county employees to carry out local government work. They are responsible for hiring, overseeing, and firing, if needed.