I would humbly appreciate
your support and your vote
on November 2nd.
Thank you!
WHAT DOES A COUNTY COMMISSIONER DO?
“In addition to county roads and bridges, I like to say that our job is to take care of the naughty and the needy.” -Jeff Barth
From The South Dakota Association of County Commissioners (SDACC):
Today, citizens depend on county government more than ever before, which makes it more important than ever that qualified, dedicated people occupy the office of county commissioner.
The work of an elected county official involves a more complex environment than predecessors faced a generation, or even a few years ago. Most counties today are involved in far more than such traditionally mandated services as public records, law enforcement and tax collection. County government juggles priorities and concerns in such areas as housing, environmental protection, transportation and economic development.
Although commissioners come from a variety of backgrounds, two things are essential requirements for being an effective county commissioner – knowledge of the community and ethical behavior.
What are Some Responsibilities of the County Commission?
Powers are limited by state law, but commissioners may exercise broad authority in these and other areas:
- Provide for law enforcement and correctional services in the county;
- Levy a tax not exceeding the amount authorized by law, and to liquidate indebtedness;
- Construct and repair bridges; maintain county roads, purchase or acquire grounds for courthouse, jail, or other building sites, locate of relocate the courthouse on such sites;
- Establish election precincts in its county and appoint the judges of election; and, as a board of equalization, equalize the assessment roll of its county in the manner provided by law;
- Superintend the financial concerns of the county and secure their management in the best possible manner;
- Establish, promote and support community development;
- Develop, enact and enforce building codes;
- Protect the general health and safety of county residents.
It is a broad range of responsibility including road maintenance, recycling programs, landfills, hospitals and/or nursing homes, libraries, parks and recreation, fire protection, and water and sewer facilities.