HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-06-20; 8-m - Amendment to Orange County Board of Commissioners Advisory Board Policy Regarding Elected Officials 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 6, 2020
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-m
SUBJECT: Amendment to Orange County Board of Commissioners Advisory Board Policy
Regarding Elected Officials
DEPARTMENT: County Attorney
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Amendment John Roberts, 919-245-2318
Thom Freeman, 919-245-2125
PURPOSE: To amend the Orange County Advisory Board Policy so that elected government
officials may not serve on advisory boards.
BACKGROUND: At the November 8, 2018 meeting the Board determined by consensus that
elected government officials should not be appointed to Orange County advisory boards. The
attached amendment reflects the Board intent expressed at the meeting and restricts the
appointment of elected government officials to advisory boards and requires the resignation or
removal of individuals who may be elected to government office while they are serving on
advisory boards.
The only exceptions to the restriction would be if the Board determined to set aside the
restriction if:
1) the appointment of an elected official is required by law;
2) such appointment is required by intergovernmental agreement; or
3) if the board-specific policy allows the appointment of elected officials (such as the Visitors
Bureau policy).
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this action.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that all non-elected Orange County residents are able to engage in government
actions through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and
barriers to participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board adopt the attached
amendment.
Section III. Membership.
D. Appointment
1. All members of advisory boards serve at the pleasure of the Orange County
Board of Commissioners.
2. Appointments to advisory boards will be initiated with a public application
process from individuals, advisory boards, or community and professional
organizations.
3. All appointments to advisory boards will be made by the Orange County Board
of Commissioners.
a. The Orange County Board of Commissioners may elect to interview
applicants to certain advisory boards.
b. In the event the Orange County Board of Commissioners conducts such
interviews the advisory board to which the applicant seeks appointment
may identify and suggest interview questions to the Orange County
Board of Commissioners.
4. No person appointed to an Orange County advisory board shall serve on that
board for more than two consecutive terms of three years each. Any
appointment to a vacant position for less than a full three year term shall be
considered a full term if the time of membership is 24 months or greater.
5. The Orange County Board of Commissioners may direct the Clerk to the Board
of County Commissioners to establish an orientation program for certain
advisory or other boards.
6. Extension of a member’s term may be approved by the Orange County Board of
Commissioners if it is determined that it is in the best interest of Orange County
to allow an individual to continue to serve.
7. No person appointed to an Orange County advisory board may concurrently
serve in any publicly elected office.
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