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of Okaloosa County Florida * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Individual Freedom - Free Markets - Limited Government |
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of Okaloosa County Florida * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Individual Freedom - Free Markets - Limited Government |
Okaloosa County Statutory Responsibilities
The County Commission's statutory responsibilities are outlined in Florida Statute 125, with functional responsibilities as follows:
Adopts an annual budget to control County fiscal year expenditures.
Levies taxes and special assessments; borrows and expends money; issues bonds, revenue certificates and other obligations.
Adopts County ordinances, resolutions, and rules of procedure, prescribing fines and penalties for violations of ordinances.
Provides for the prosecution and defense of legal causes on behalf of the County.
Provides and maintains County buildings.
Prepares and enforces comprehensive plans for development of the County.
Establishes, coordinates and enforces zoning and business regulations necessary for public protection.
Places issues on the ballot at any primary, general, or special election.
Provides services related to the health and welfare of citizens, such as fire protection, parks and recreation, and waste collection/disposal.
Appoints members to and creates Boards, Authorities, Committees and Commissions as required by law.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The purpose of Okaloosa County government is to be responsive to citizens in providing an appropriate level of accessible services on a cost effective basis. Critical County values include the following: continual improvement of infrastructure; health, safety, and well-being of the citizens; preservation of natural resources; responsible economic development; leadership; and stewardship.
The Commission consists of five members elected at large to serve staggered terms of four years. One commissioner residing in each district is elected as provided by law. The County Manager is hired by the Commission to execute policies established by the Commission and administers all departments responsible to the Commission.
Each elected constitutional public office: Clerk of Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and Tax Collector administers his or her constitutional responsibility separately from the County Commission, except each constitutional office derives a majority of its funding from the County Commission. Ask about "Issues" on BCC "Contact Us" page.
Counties are mandated by the State of Florida to provide county-wide services such as: law enforcement, operation of the county jail, appraisal of property, tax collection, election supervision, judicial services, construction and maintenance of the countywide road system, public health, job training, cooperative extension, veteran services, emergency management, mosquito and animal control, social and medical welfare services, and solid waste disposal.