What are the duties of the County Commissioners?

The Board of Commissioners has jurisdiction over matters concerning either the exercise of regulatory or administrative powers. In most cases the county may exercise its regulatory powers only in the unincorporated areas of the county. As a general rule, although there are some exceptions, the county does not have jurisdiction to regulate behavior in the incorporated cities and towns of the county. The commissioners are the custodians of the home rule powers of the county. Within the scope of home rule, commissioners may adopt and vest themselves with additional regulatory powers. In most Indiana counties, the county commissioners may adopt ordinances regulating behavior. Specifically, they have authority to pass ordinances in the following broad areas:

• To establish minimum housing standards. {IC 36-7-8-4}

• To grant vacation pay, sick leave, paid holidays and other similar benefits to county employees. {IC 5-10-6-1} 19

• To administer elections in conjunction with the county election board. {IC 3-5 and IC 3-6}

• To incorporate new towns and alter township boundary lines, on petition. {IC 36-6- 1}

The Commissioners are responsible for regulating certain County entities and operations within. These include:

• Supervising the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and to provide for traffic control 

• Controlling, maintaining and supervising County property

• Developing economic development programs to attract and retain jobs in the County

• Auditing and authorizing payments on behalf of the county

• Receiving bids and authorizing contracts

•  Exercising appointive powers including both the selection of members to fill positions on boards, commissions, and committees, and appointments of certain department heads

• Planning and implementing strategies for solid waste handling as members of solid waste district boards.