0

Elected Officials

#FFFFFF

Board of County Commissioners

The board of county commissioners serves as both an administrative and policy-making body for the county. While generally boards have only those powers specifically conferred by the state general assembly, courts have held that they have such implied powers as may be necessary to carry out their specified powers. Constitutionally, the board also sits as the county board of equalization. All powers of the county as a legal entity are exercised by the board of county commissioners and not by its individual members.

County Clerk and Recorder

By state constitution, the clerk and recorder is required to be the recorder of deeds and the clerk to the board of county commissioners. By tradition, the clerk and recorder is usually the primary administrative officer of most counties. By law, the clerk and recorder is responsible for carrying out certain state functions. The clerk is the agent of the state department of revenue and, among other duties, is charged with the responsibility of administering state laws relating to motor vehicles, certification of automobile titles, and motor vehicle registration. The clerk is responsible for administering all primary, general, and special elections held in the county, and for registration of voters, publication of notice of elections, appointment of election judges, and printing and distribution of ballots. The clerk and recorder also issues marriage licenses, maintains records for the board of commissioners, collects a multitude of license fees and charges required by the state, and maintains property records.

County Assessor

The county assessor is responsible for valuing real and personal property with the highest standards of professionalism, using the broadest application of proper appraisal methods, techniques and standards available, in order to assure statewide equalization in the valuation of real and personal property. The assessor determines the equitable value of property to ensure that each taxpayer pays only his or her fair share of the taxes while maintaining the principle of local control and providing information to the public so they might acquire a better understanding of the appraisal and assessment process. The assessor is required to send out a notice of valuation each year to property owners. This notice will reflect a value on property for ad valorem taxes payable to the county.

County Treasurer

The treasurer is responsible for the receipt, custody and disbursement of county funds. The treasurer is the public trustee, except in first and second class counties. The treasurer collects some state taxes and all property taxes - including those for other units of local government. The treasurer collects and disburses school funds belonging to school districts located within the county. The treasurer sends notices of and collects all property taxes for all local governments and disburses receipts for each after charging a statutory collection fee. The treasurer conducts sales of property for delinquent taxes.

County Sheriff

The county sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county, responsible for maintaining the peace and enforcing state criminal laws. The sheriff must attend court and is required to serve and execute processes, subpoenas, writs and orders as directed by the court. The sheriff operates the county jail, and must maintain and feed prisoners. The sheriff is also fire warden for prairie or forest fires in the county. Finally, the sheriff performs certain functions in connection with sales of real and personnel property to satisfy debt or tax liens.

County Coroner

The coroner is elected for a term of four years. Candidates for the position are encouraged by the general assembly to possess knowledge and experience in the medical-legal investigation of death.  It is also the intent of the general assembly that those individuals holding this office participate in programs designed to develop and enhance their qualifications in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities associated with the office. The coroner may declare an individual deceased if she/he finds the individual has sustained irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory function.

#FFFFFF

#FFFFFF