The county’s main elected governing body. They adopt the county budget, make decisions on county property contracts, zoning, emergency response, oversee roads and other county operations, capital planning and asset replacement, and appoint board members (library board, recreation board, solid waste board…). They also work with federal government agencies on land use planning. They serve a 4-year term.
Why it matters: County commissioners affect taxes, infrastructure, planning, board appointments, emergency response coordination, and the overall direction of county government. For voters who want a say in how county money is spent, this is one of the most important races on the ballot.