Board of Commissioners
Click to view the Board of Commissioners calendar
 Tara Simmons Post 1 |  Debbie Whitlock Post 2 |  Dennis Bell Post 3 |  Chris Rickman Post 4 |  Chuck Wright Post 5 |
The Mission of Stephens County Government is to provide mandated and non-mandated services to our citizens in an effective, efficient, and responsive manner while maintaining fiscal integrity. The basis of providing these services shall include the safety and well-being of the public, the protection and improvement of our natural resources, heritage, and culture, and fostering the expansion of economic opportunities.
Stephens County was created by an act of the legislature in 1905 as political subdivision of the State of Georgia. It exists for civil and political purposes, and acts under powers given to it by the state. The county operates under the Commission-Administrator form of local government with the Stephens County Board of Commissioners as the governing authority.
The five members of the Board of Commissioners are elected at-large to four-year terms on a staggered basis. The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners is elected annually by the commissioners. Each Commissioner is given a specific work assignment, and asked to serve as a liaison for the Board in the area assigned.
The Board appoints a county administrator who serves as the chief administrative officer to carry out the policies and handle day-to-day responsibilities.
The Commissioners set direction and formulate policies for the county government, develop and approve the budget, authorize expenditures, set tax rates, make key appointments to boards, committees, authorities, etc. and approve or disapprove specific actions, such as rezoning of private property.
The board strives to:
- Provide the highest quality service possible to county residents in a fiscally responsible, timely, efficient and courteous manner
- Conduct business in an open and professional manner without favoritism
- Manage, spend and account for tax dollars in a responsible manner
- Respond to the needs and concerns of the residents of the county
The Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in a public forum to discuss, receive input on, and vote on current “open” issues. Work sessions to discuss items are at the beginning of each scheduled meeting. Called meetings are scheduled and advertised as needed. The board also conducts public hearings to consider zoning requests.
If you would like to speak at an upcoming meeting click here to open the Meeting Appearance form.
The County’s administrative staff and day-to-day operations are managed by the County Administrator who works closely with the Board of Commissioners to ensure that effective communication is maintained between the Board and the county’s employees.