Q&A on form of government

There has been a great deal of discussion on the commissioners' proposal to change the form of government. Many of us know little about the proposal so it might be worthwhile to take a closer look. I was surprised to learn that the proposed type of governance is relatively common and used throughout the United States. It's nothing new and has been around for a long time and is a very successful approach to governance while still providing effective public participation. There is a great deal of information available online from ICMA (International City Managers Association).

Why is this being proposed?

One of the best reasons for the proposal is that it will make our county government more efficient and more responsive. This change has been discussed for many years and has had recommendations from several study groups and ad-hoc committees. Our county commissioners have decided that the voters should have an opportunity to determine the future and have placed the proposal on the ballot in November.

What is the commissioner-manager form, used in so many local governments?

The commissioner-manager form is the system of local government that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials (the county commissioners) with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The form establishes a representative system where power is concentrated in the elected commissioners who hire a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services.

Is it a responsive form of government?

In this form of government, commissioners are the leaders and policy makers, elected to represent Kootenai County and to concentrate on policy issues that are responsive to citizens' needs and wishes. The manager is appointed by the commissioners to carry out policy and ensure that the citizens are being served. If the manager is not responsive to the commissioners' wishes, the BOCC has authority to terminate the manager at any time. In that sense, a manager's responsiveness is tested daily.

What is the Board of County Commissioners function?

The BOCC is the legislative body; its members are the county's decision makers. Power is centralized in the elected commissioners, who approve the budget and determine the tax rate, among other functions. The BOCC also focuses on the community's goals, major projects, and such long-term considerations as community growth, land use planning, capital improvement plans, capital financing and strategic planning. The BOCC hires a professional manager to carry out the administrative responsibilities and supervises the manager's performance.

What is the manager's function?

The manager is hired to serve the Board of County Commissioners and the county and to bring to the county the benefits of training and experience in administering local government projects and programs on behalf of the governing body. The manager prepares a budget for the commissioner's consideration; recruits, hires and supervises the county staff; serves as the commissioners' chief adviser; and carries out the BOCC policies. Commissioners and citizens count on the manager to provide complete and objective information, pros and cons of the alternatives, and long-term consequences.

What is the cost to the local government of appointing a professional manager?

Many local governments have found that overall costs can be reduced with competent management. Savings can come in the form of reduced operating costs, increased efficiency and productivity, reduced commissioners salaries, and more effective use of technology. In the current Kootenai County budget there are ample funds in the commissioners budget to accommodate the manager's salary and benefits with reductions in commissioners' salary and benefits.

Does the manager participate in policy determination?

The manager makes policy recommendations to the BOCC, but the board may or may not adopt them, and may modify the recommendations. The manager is bound by whatever action the BOCC takes.

Is this form of government fairly common?

Yes. It is used by counties too. More than 3,000 local governments operate under this form. They vary greatly in size and characteristics, including independent cities, center cities, suburbs and counties. There are more than 71 million Americans governed in this manner.

Collin Coles is a former planner for the city of Post Falls.