The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners serves as the governing body of the County. The five County Commissioners are elected at-large by a countywide election held in November for a staggered four-year term of office, with elections held every two years. The Commissioners elect a chairman and vice-chairman during their first meeting each December.
The Board is charged with making policy for the administration of County government within the framework of the laws of the state of North Carolina. Counties are partners with the state in providing such programs as health, social services, mental health care and public schools.
The Board is responsible for providing and executing policies concerning the operation of the County and for adopting the annual budget, establishing a tax rate, enacting local ordinances and appointing citizens to various boards and advisory commissions.
The Clerk to the Board is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and is duly sworn into official public office. The position is a part of the Administrative Team with the County Manager and the County Attorney. The Clerk is responsible for creating, coordinating, and maintaining a permanent record of Board actions including historical and current official records; researching, interpreting and analyzing various reports and activities; and assuring that legally required Board operational processes and procedures are followed.
The Clerk to the Board also administers the office of the Governing Body which includes two Deputy Clerks, who serve in the absence of the Clerk.
The Clerk to the Board and Staff are also responsible for responding to requests from the general public, the news media and County employees for information and/or services. When sending invitations and notices to the Board of Commissioners, please also send to the Clerk to the Board for coordination purposes.