Government
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Contents:
Charter Government The voter-approved Palm Beach County Home Rule Charter became effective in 1985. True Home Rule gives the Board of County Commissioners the ability to create, through a local public hearing ordinance procedure, local laws that are not in conflict with or specifically prohibited by state general law or the Florida Constitution. This process is done without having to go to the Florida Legislature to request special legislation to create these laws. The Legislative Branch Palm Beach County is governed by the seven-member Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Board members are elected to staggered four-year terms by registered voters in the district in which the commissioners reside. Commissioners are sworn into office two weeks after being elected in the November general election and may not serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The BCC elects a chairperson to preside over commission meetings and serve as the ceremonial head of Palm Beach County government. A vice chairperson is also selected to assume these duties in the absence of the chair. Your Commission (Back to Top) The Palm Beach County Charter and Chapter 125.01 of the Florida Statutes establish the specific duties and powers of the Board of County Commissioners. The BCC adopts ordinances (local laws) and resolutions to establish policies and programs aimed at protecting the health, safety and general welfare of Palm Beach County residents. The BCC works to resolve major problems facing local government and guides growth and development throughout the county to be consistent with the public interest. Following are some of the specific duties undertaken by the BCC:
In addition, the Board of County Commission-ers may enter into agreements with other governmental agencies for joint performance of duties. Commission Meetings (Back to Top) The BCC usually meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers located on the sixth floor of the Palm Beach County Governmental Center, 301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach. Workshops usually are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The BCC also sits as the Zoning Board, which usually meets on the fourth Thursday of the month. Public Comment (Back to Top) Citizens may offer comments on regular agenda items, items listed for public hearings and during Matters by the Public, which is usually held on the first Tuesday of the month in the afternoon. During Matters by the Public, citizens are welcome to address any issues under the jurisdiction of the board. Anyone wishing to speak is requested to complete a “Comments by the Public” card (available in the chambers) and give it to the Public Affairs assistant at the staff table to ensure their turn at the appropriate time. There is generally a three-minute time limit, but the chair may reduce the allotted time if there are many people wishing to speak. BCC meetings are business meetings and as such the board retains the right to limit discussion on any issue. Citizens should verify meeting schedules in advance by contacting the agenda coordinator at 355-3229 or viewing the Agenda online. The Administrative Branch (Back to Top) The BCC appoints a county administrator who is assigned the executive responsibilities and powers to implement the board’s policies. Under the county administrator’s direction, more than 30 departments, divisions and offices provide residents with needed services and programs. Advisory Boards, Committees and Councils (Back to Top) The BCC appoints residents to voluntarily serve on various advisory boards, commissions, committees and councils. Some of these advisory panels are required by state law; others are formed to address special needs and to help solve challenging issues. The Directory of Boards and Committees published by Public Affairs provides details about each panel along with contact information. Funding County Government (Back to Top) Once this budget review process is completed, the board advertises its intent to adopt the final budget along with a resolution to provide county government with operating and capital funds. Throughout the year, the BCC may review and amend the budget using this review process. Constitutional Officers/Judiciary (Back to Top)
Each is elected to serve four-year terms, but unlike county commissioners, constitutional officers are elected countywide (at large) and are not subject to term limits. Constitutional officers establish the budgets for their offices, independent of the operating budget set by the Board of County Commissioners. Although they operate independently, constitutional officers work in cooperation with the BCC in order to serve the public efficiently and cost effectively.
Independent Taxing Districts (Back to Top)
Local municipal governments also are empowered to impose their own ad valorem taxes over which the BCC has no jurisdiction. |
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