Board of County Commissioners

A Brief History:

The office of county commissioner was first established by the territorial act of 1792, which appointed two commissioners per territorial county with the authority to compile tax lists and levy taxes. Additionally the commissioners were responsible for drafting plans for and supervising the construction of a courthouse, jail, pillory (stocks), whipping post and several stocks (financial). Ohio’s first constitution in 1802 did not have any provisions for the office of county commissioner, by 1804 the General Assembly created the board of county commissioners which comprised of 3 elected officials for each county who served for 3 years. The early duties of the county commissioners included keeping records of their proceedings, assessing taxes, appointing a county treasure, and supervising the construction of buildings and local highways as authorized by the General Assembly. Beginning in 1816, the county commissioners became responsible for supervising and controlling work related to public welfare, including but not limited to, the establishment of poorhouses, a home for neglected and dependent children, a tuberculosis hospital, and programs to care for the elderly and indigent. In the 1900s the county commissioners were given additional powers over the county budget, animal control programs, and building regulations and zoning. The elected terms for county commissioners was eventually raised to 4 years.

Board of County Commissioners Function:

Today the Licking County Board of Commissioners hold a wide range of responsibilities mandated by the Ohio Revised Code. In order to fulfill the mandates described by the Ohio Revised Code the County Commissioners have established and actively manage various county agencies including: Building Code Enforcement; Planning & Development; Child Support Enforcement; Building Services; Job & Family Services; Recycling & Litter; Water/Wastewater; Animal Control; and Records & Archives. The goal of these agencies is to serve the public and ensure the overall wellbeing of Licking County and its residents. Additionally the Commissioners supervise departments that facilitate Licking County’s local governments including: Human Resources; Information Technology Services; Building Services and Maintenance.           

Licking County Records & Archives Center Holdings:

Below is a list of the permanent and historically valuable records held by the Records & Archives Center that were created by the County Commissioners’ Office. For other types of records created and maintained by the County Commissioners, such as recent meeting minutes/resolutions, bids, and contracts, please contact the Licking County Board of County Commissioners' Office (Phone: 740-670-5110).