The County Administrator is aided by the Ethics Commission. Formerly these functions were overseen by the Chief of Staff.
Annually, the Commission submits a report to the State Ethics Commission, showing County compliance with State law governing the public ethics of local officials with respect to conflicts of interest, financial disclosure, and lobbying (Code General Provisions Article, secs. 5-804 through 5-812).
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, members of the Ethics Commission serve three-year terms. From the Commission membership, the Board of County Commissioners selects an Ethics Administrator. The Ethics Administrator is a nonvoting member of the Commission (County Code, secs. 34.01 through 34.15).
The Comptroller manages County assets, oversees audits and the fiscal procedures of County agencies, and maintains their financial records. Annually, the Comptroller reports to the Board of County Commissioners on County assets, revenue, and expenditures.
Under the Comptroller are the Collections Office, and two Bureaus: Accounting; and Purchasing. Also, directly under the Comptroller is the Collections Office.
COLLECTIONS OFFICE
The Department administers the personnel policies of the County; ensures the County's compliance with all applicable laws regulating employment; and oversees compensation programs for County employees. The Department informs employees of personnel policies, procedures, and activities affecting the County's operation; and establishes and maintains all personnel records for County employees. (County Code, secs. 48-1 through 48-12).
The Department oversees the Bureau of Budget and two offices: Grants, and Risk Management.
OFFICE OF GRANTS MANAGEMENT
OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT
Examining the needs of County government, the Department of Technology Services produces and procures hardware and software necessary to meet those needs. Digital communication networks in the County are managed by the Office, which also develops and maintains network security systems. A help desk is staffed by the Department to coordinate system repairs, and train County personnel in the use of systems and equipment. The Department also oversees the County’s Geographic Information Systems, and Enterprise Database Management.
The Department of Technology Services oversees the Cable Regulatory Commission.
When complaints are made against providers, the Commission holds public hearing to determine if providers are in violation of local regulations. If found culpable, they may be fined or have their franchise rights revoked. In cases regarding federal, or State regulations, the Commission is responsible for pursuing the appropriate legal action.
For franchise holders, the Commission advises on regulatory matters, reviews financial records and procedures, and conducts negotiations and arbitration between franchise holders (County Code, Chapter 93).
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On behalf of the Comptroller, the Collections Office is responsible for collection of State and local taxes, utility bills, and additional fees due the County.
BUREAU OF ACCOUNTING
The Bureau of Accounting maintains records of all County fiscal transactions, administers the County payroll, and issues bills for property taxes, and public utilities. Annually, the Bureau creates a comprehensive financial report, which the Comptroller submits to the Board of County Commissioners.
BUREAU OF PURCHASING
The Bureau of Purchasing oversees and approves all County government purchases. The Bureau establishes purchasing procedures, and conducts auctions for County contracts and surplus equipment. The Bureau also enforces the County’s minority business enterprise policy (County Code, secs. 3-202, 3-213, and 3-401).
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
When the Department of Human Resources was renamed the Office of Human Resources, it was placed under Administrative Services. It resumed its former name in April 2015 when Administrative Services was disbanded.
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET
Collecting and analyzing the fiscal records of all County agencies, the Department of Management and Budget advises those agencies and the Board of County Commissioners on fiscal management, and oversees the preparation of the County's annual budget (County Code, secs. 3-601 through 3-603).
For County agencies and nonprofit organizations, the Office of Grants Management conducts research and screening to locate and obtain federal and State funds. The Office also offers application development and editing services, and advises grant recipients on requirements.
Safety and insurance programs are conducted by the Office of Risk Management. The Office is responsible for ensuring safe work environments for County employees, and maintaining insurance for all employees, facilities, and vehicles.
BUREAU OF BUDGET
The Bureau of Budget monitors revenue and expenditures, and conducts budget estimates and revenue projections for County government. Preparing the County's annual budget for the Board of County Commissioners, the Bureau advises the Board on all budgetary matters, enacts all Board recommendations, and oversees the publication of the operating and capital budget books.
DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
In December 2006, Department of Technology Services formed under the Board of County Commissioners. Restructured under Administrative Services, it was renamed the Office of Technology Services in December 2010. When Administrative Services was disbanded, the Office reformed as the Department of Technology Services in April 2015.
CABLE REGULATORY COMMISSION
In 2001, the Cable Regulatory Commission was established to enforce the Cable Franchise Agreement. The Commission is a quasi-government entity that coordinates cable television access within the County, and monitors regulatory compliance by cable providers. Prior to their conducting business in the County, all cable providers must be approved by the Commission, which is empowered to grant franchise rights within the County.
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