Who are my Ottawa County Board of Commissioners?
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is comprised of 11 members elected every two years from districts of equal population.
They have four, five-member standing committees: Finance and Administration Committee; Health and Human Services Committee; Talent and Recruitment Committee; and Planning and Policy Committee.
Much of their responsibility is properly allocating tax and grant dollars that are directed to them by the State Legislature, including but not limited to: prisons, public health, transportation and more.
What does the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners do?
Set Policy - Commissioners pass resolutions which establish polices for internal matters like budgets, services, capital improvements and other matters. While commissioners may pass county ordinances, they are few due to the limited power of boards.
Provide Leadership - Commissioners participate in countless county, regional and state committees giving them unique perspectives of their communities. The board engages in an annual strategic planning process, anticipating changes and needs for the future.
Add Oversight - While commissioners only make the hiring decisions of one employee, the county administrator, they spend time monitoring and evaluating the work of many department officials. Doing so assures that county-funded services are effective and efficient.
Serve Constituents - Commissioners are available to connect with county residents and find them the information or service they need. The Board also attends functions such as chamber meetings to learn the needs of the business community, farming events to hear from agri-business and non-profit gatherings learn the needs and gaps in human services.
What they DO NOT do.
Commissioners DO NOT oversee city or township boards or services.
The County Commissioners DO NOT have any role with school boards, school curricula or their budgets.
