About the Board

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The Board of Supervisors is the governing body of the County and a number of special districts. Within the limits of state law and county charter, the Board is empowered to adopt ordinances, establish programs, levy taxes, appropriate funds, appoint certain officials, and zone property in the unincorporated area. In addition, members of the Board represent the County on numerous intergovernmental bodies.

The five members of the Board are elected on a non-partisan basis to serve four-year terms. Each is elected from one of the five supervisorial districts of the County. Supervisors from Districts 1, 2 and 5 are elected in gubernatorial election years (1998, 2002, etc.) while supervisors from Districts 3 and 4 are elected in presidential election years (2000, 2004, etc.). District boundaries are adjusted after every federal census to equalize district population.

At the beginning of each year, the Board chooses from its members a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson to serve during the ensuing year. The Chairperson presides at Board meetings and signs documents in the name of the County. The Vice-Chairperson substitutes when the Chairperson is absent.

CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT
The Board utilizes many citizen committees and commissions to aid them in governing county operations. Vacancies are noticed on the Board meeting agendas and posted at the main library and all branch libraries. Applications may be obtained from the Clerk of the Board or any library.