To: Harris County Commissioners Court
Through: Sophie Elsner, Director, HC Pct. 1 Policy Department
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Prepared By: Mark Anderson, Policy Advisor, Pct. 1 Policy Department
Subject: County Boards and Commissions Appointments Process
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Project ID (If applicable]: N/A
Purpose and Request:
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Request for Commissioners Court approval of formal policies and procedures for appointments to County boards and commissions, and establishment of a separate County office to support the Court with board appointment actions.
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Background and Discussion:
The current Boards and Commissions Appointments Process, in which the Commissioners Court makes appointments to over 75 active County boards and commissions, is loosely managed as an additional duty by personnel in the Budget Management Department. Court member offices have to do additional research regarding the respective board, its purpose, history, etc. These offices also have to frequently track down updated information such as appointments thru dates whenever database information is inaccurate. Appointments processes for board and commission positions should be more open and transparent, and should allow for all County and surrounding area residents to obtain information about these bodies as well as volunteer to serve as members. Precinct One is proposing the County adopt formal policies and procedures for all board and commission actions, and establish the HC Boards and Commissions Office to facilitate administering and streamlining the appointments process as well as to increase community participation in serving on active boards and commissions.
Fiscal Impact:
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FY 21-22 Projected |
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Service Impacted: HC Boards and Commissions Office |
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TBD |
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Please Identify Funding Source (General Fund, PIC, Special Revenue, Grant, Etc.) |
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General Fund* |
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Alternatives:
The alternative is to do nothing and for the Court to continue to make board and commission member appointments with minimal participation from residents because there is no central office to provide information about active county boards, and no online presence where potential board members may submit applications for consideration. In addition to this, failure to formalize board and commission appointments policies and procedures will lead to the Court continuing to administer appointments subject to informal agreements between members of the Court.
Alignment with Strategic Objective:
[INSTRUCTIONS: Please write out the Department Strategic Objective impacted by this item.]
Attachments:
Court Letter and Proposed Policy