County Government 101 - About the County Commission
Stearns County has the most popular form of county government--the commission form. Serving a population of approximately 138,000 people, Stearns County’s Board of Commissioners has five members, with residents from each of the five districts electing one member of the Board to serve a 4-year term.
The Board of Commissioners is the policy-making body. They adopt rules and policies, set a budget and levy, approve a capital improvement plan, make land-use decisions and ensure that citizen concerns are met.
The Board of Commissioners appoints a County Administrator to oversee policy implementation, Department Directors and daily operations of the County. Commissioners also appoint the Human Services Director, County Assessor, Environmental Services Director, Highway Engineer, Parks Director and Veterans Service Officer. The Board also selects representatives to serve on other County boards and committees, such as the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment and the Dairy Advisory Committee.
In addition to regular County Board meetings three Tuesdays a month, Commissioners serve on county-related boards and sub-committees. They also bring the County’s concerns before state and federal lawmakers and interact with other local boards, such as city councils and township boards.
Major responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
a. Establishing a budget and levying taxes to finance County services.
b. Providing assistance to constituents as their elected representative.
c. Appointing members to County Board committees (with the exception of elected officials).
d. Serving on the Board of Health as well as several other committees and boards.
e. Managing county roads, buildings, and property.
f. Planning land use within the county
g. Authorizing expenditures.
h. Serving as employer for County personnel.
The Board functions as the legislative and administrative head of Stearns County. The powers of the Board are outlined in Minnesota Statutes. The management and control of County property and the transaction of business affairs of the County are vested in the Board.