Board of Commissioners
Who are the County Commissioners?
The county commissioners are constitutional officers who act collectively as the governing board. In Adams County there are three members of the Board, each elected to four-year terms. Residents of Adams County choose who their commissioners will be when they vote at election time. Terms are staggered so that no more than two commissioners are elected at the same time.
What is their role?
The board's role is to manage the affairs of the county as authorized by the state. Powers granted to the board by the state are broad, which allow the board independence in judgment.
Some examples of the board's powers are to:
- Establish policies and procedures for the administration of county government
- Oversee county income and expenses; adopt annual budget
- Build and maintain county buildings
- Construct or repair public roads, bridges, and drainage facilities
- Levy taxes as provided by law; certify mill levies annually
- Organize the boundaries of precincts and establish voting places in each precinct
- Grant licenses as prescribed by law
- Acquire land for the construction, maintenance and repair of airports and fix and collect fees for their use
- Appoint staff and determine operating budget
- Organize or contract for ambulance service
- Provide programs for aged and low-income residents
- Adopt ordinances as provided in the Colorado Revised Statutes
- Contract with the Colorado Department of Corrections for placement of inmates in county jail
In addition to these statutory general governance responsibilities, the Adams County Board of Commissioners guides the operations of the county administrator and the twelve departments and offices in the Administrator's span of control. The board also holds public hearings at which official county business is conducted; considers applications for funding from community agencies, county departments, and elected officials; represents the people of Adams County on other boards and governing bodies; and establishes personnel policies.
These are just some examples of county activities which require decision-making by the board. For more information about statutory responsibilities, check the Colorado Revised Statutes, Titles 29 and 30, which cover laws concerning local and county governments.
