2.30.10: Legislative Power

The legislative power of the county, not reserved to the people, shall be vested in the Board of Commissioners. The Commissioners shall exercise their legislative power by adoption and enactment of ordinances; shall levy taxes, appropriate revenue and adopt budgets for the county; shall establish the compensation to be paid to all county officers and employees and shall provide for the reimbursement of expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or by ordinance, they may have the power to establish, abolish, combine or divide offices, departments and agencies; establish their powers, duties and responsibilities as provided by law or ordinance. They shall have the power to adopt by ordinance, comprehensive plans for the present and future development of the county. They shall have the power to conduct public hearings to assist them in the performance of their legislative responsibilities; to subpoena witnesses, documents and other evidence and to administer oaths. Any witness appearing before them shall have the right to be represented by counsel. The enumeration of particular legislative powers shall not be construed as limiting the legislative powers to the Commissioners as provided by law. (Amendment proposed by the Charter Review Commission and approved by the voters November 8, 1983.)

2.30.20: Executive Power

The executive power of the county shall be vested in the Board of Commissioners except those powers assigned to other elected officials and other elected boards and commissions by law. The Commissioners shall exercise their executive power by executing and enforcing laws and ordinances; interpreting ordinances, resolutions and policies; employing and discharging personnel; appointing and removing members of boards and commissions; directing the preparation of the budget; conducting or serving on boards and commissions; signing or causing to be signed contracts, vouchers, deeds and other instruments. The Commissioners shall delegate duties, functions and responsibilities but will remain accountable for all executive actions.