Practical Civics

As a Code Home Rule county, Caroline is governed by a small board of elected officials, known as County Commissioners, who serve as both the legislative and executive authority for the county. We have three commissioners who are elected by voters countywide. Because the county does not have election districts, each commissioner represents all residents and businesses across the entire county rather than a specific geographic area. This at-large representation means that every commissioner is responsible for considering the needs and interests of the county as a whole when making decisions.

One of the commissioners’ most significant responsibilities is managing the county’s finances. Each year, the board reviews and approves the county budget, which determines how local tax revenue is allocated. These funds support essential public services such as the public school system, Emergency Services, Public Works, the Sheriff’s Office, Recreation and Parks, and various other community needs or programs. Commissioners must balance funding requests from departments and agencies while maintaining responsible spending – this process is actually occurring as we speak, with budget roundtables and public hearings either having already happened or coming up soon. Of course, on the flip side, the Commissioners set the tax rates.

County Commissioners also adopt and amend local laws, policies, and ordinances that affect daily life in the county. This includes matters related to zoning and land use, development regulations, and other local governance issues. Through these actions, commissioners help guide how the county grows and develops while working to preserve the community’s original character and natural resources. Commissioners also have oversight of personnel like county department heads and certain members of staff.

At the Tuesday morning County Commissioners meetings, the different county department leaders often present updates, funding and policy change requests, and long-term plans. These public meetings give residents an opportunity to stay informed and voice their perspectives on local issues. Any resident of Caroline County is invited to speak before the commissioners during the public comment period. You can find agendas for these meetings on the county’s website to see what the commissioners are up to on any given week.

In general, commissioners serve as representatives for Caroline County at the local, regional, state, and national level. This means that they are often invited to and attend community events, as well as important meetings with other leaders and lawmakers. They work with state agencies, neighboring counties, and organizations across Maryland to advocate for anything that could benefit Caroline, from infrastructure improvements to grant opportunities. They also review state and federal legislation that impacts Caroline, and can either formally support or oppose proposed legislation, whichever they feel is in the best interest of Caroline’s constituents.

You’ll notice there is not just one direct answer to the question of what County Commissioners do, but they are the highest officeholders in our county government, which saddles them with plenty of responsibilities.