Policy on the Governance of Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Boards, Committees, Commissions, Councils and Task Forces and Designation of Oversight Authority to the County Administrator.
Purpose
To provide standard guidance for the governance of Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners boards, committees, commissions, councils, and task forces, and to designate oversight authority to the County Administrator.
Policy
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (the “BOCC”) has created by ordinance, resolution, and motion, boards, committees, commissions, councils, and task forces (collectively “advisory committees”) as required or permitted by law. These advisory committees serve in an advisory or other capacity to the BOCC on myriad issues.
Additionally, pursuant to federal or state law, the Hillsborough County Charter, County ordinances, and interlocal agreements, the BOCC has created agencies, development and redevelopment authorities, and regulatory and adjustment boards, some of which have quasi-judicial functions (collectively, “quasi-judicial committees”). The BOCC has designated duties, powers, and functions to be carried out in compliance with the enabling acts of these committees.
Hereafter, all references to “committees” throughout this policy, without a corresponding distinction of “advisory” or “quasi-judicial” shall refer to all BOCC boards, committees, commissions, councils, and task forces, regardless of its advisory or quasi-judicial purpose.
When authorized by appropriate statutory authority or as needed, the BOCC may establish additional committees. Unless otherwise authorized or directed by federal or state law, the Hillsborough County Charter, County ordinances, or interlocal agreements, these committees will be created pursuant to a BOCC resolution. Further, unless otherwise prescribed by authorizing authority or otherwise determined by the BOCC, newly created committees will be established as “ad hoc" task forces meaning that it is concerned with a particular end or purpose. The creating BOCC resolution shall include the specific task(s) and predetermined scope and duration for which the committee will serve the BOCC.
Unless otherwise determined by the BOCC, committee budgets are limited to reasonable and limited staff time. Committee members are expected to adhere by the Standards of Conduct contained in Board Policy 01.30.00.00. At the conclusion of the enabling resolution’s work, advisory task forces shall provide a final advisory report to the BOCC and County Administrator. It is ultimately the authority of the BOCC or County Administrator to implement any action. Likewise, committees other than advisory task forces are required to submit reports annually to keep the BOCC apprised of their work.
In furtherance of committee oversight and organizational efficiency, the BOCC hereby authorizes the County Administrator to implement administrative directives, policies, and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation and management of BOCC committees. The County Administrator shall be responsible for setting standards for oversight and coordination of staffing for committees and providing administrative and logistical support. The County Administrator shall have day to day oversight of all committees and shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy.
The County Attorney shall be responsible for assigning an assistant attorney who shall be the attorney for, and legal advisor to, the any designated committee; as appropriate.
Responsibility
The County Administrator may create Administrative Directives in furtherance of this policy.