Park County Commission

Commissioners’ Roles in County Government

Unlike other branches of federal, state, and local government where the separation of powers is strictly maintained, County Commissioners must act in executive, legislative, and judicial capacities, depending upon the task at hand. Each role requires careful attention to state statutes and objectivity.

County commissioners act in an executive capacity when administering the day to day activities of the county such as hiring staff, signing claims, and corresponding with citizens. Commissioners act in a legislative capacity when creating law or public policy for the county such as adopting subdivision regulations. Commissioners act in a quasi-judicial* capacity when making decisions on subdivisions. (Because they are acting in a quasi-judicial capacity on subdivisions, commissioners cannot have contact with the public regarding subdivisions without a quorum of the Commission in a public meeting setting.)

*Quasi-judicial decisions are decisions resembling those of a court of law or judge.

THIS PAGE UPDATED

11/21/07