What is a County Commissioner?
What is a County Commissioner?
Traditionally a Board of County Commissioners consists of 3-5 elected commissioners. Its main purpose
is to administer county government: establish a budget, levy taxes, maintain infrastructure, such as
roads and bridges, and maintain Health and Safety and at times act in a judicial capacity.
Eagle County has three county commissioners each representing 1 of 3 districts. Regardless of district
the entire county votes. The Eagle county Board of Commissioners is defined as the county
government’s main policy-making body and services in an administrative, budgetary and at times a
quasi-judicial capacity.
The County has a Mission and Vision Statement shown below. Along with it are Core Values Statements, and
5 Goals for 2015-2020. The Strategic Areas of Focus 2020 - Legislative Policy can be found HERE. There are 180 objectives in
support of the Mission, Vision, Values and Goals.
How have the 2015-2020 Goals fared? Are mission and vision objectives being met? Should they be
simplified?
2015-2020 Goals
Eagle County is Financially Sound
Eagle County is a Great Place to Live for All
Eagle County Protects the Natural Environment
Eagle County Promotes a Diverse and Resilient Economy
Eagle County is a High Performing Organization
Core Values
Creativity, Respect, Engagement, Accountability, Team, Excellence, Service
Mission: Creating a Better Eagle County for All
Eagle County achieves the mission by providing top quality county services with excellent customer service in a financially sustainable manner; we partner with the community and engage our residents.
Listening to community members to understand service needs
Adding value for customers
Providing timely, quality services
Developing an organizational culture that evaluates the quality of services and makes improvements
Applying "best practices" to Eagle County government
Maintaining County buildings, infrastructure, and facilities in excellent condition
Hiring and retaining highly qualified County employees from diverse backgrounds
Measuring service and program outcomes
Assuring County systems and processes are clear, fair, and easy to access for all
Treating our customers with respect, acting in a friendly and courteous manner
Taking the time to explain decisions or actions, especially if the answer is "no"
Going the extra mile to help our customers 5. Providing customer-friendly buildings and facilities
Providing County services in a culturally competent manner
Defining County services and service levels based on available resources and community demands
Using financial tools to forecast future revenues and expenditures in order to use taxpayer and other funds efficiently and effectively
Maintaining financial reserves consistent with County policies and national standards
Delivering County services in an efficient and cost-effective manner
Leveraging County resources with outside funding streams for maximum community benefit
Providing competitive compensation and development opportunities for County employees
Developing and following County financial policies
Developing and maintaining transparent financial systems and reporting
Identifying and connecting with strategic partners
Working with community partners to establish and align common visions and goals
Understanding the goals and needs of partners
Maintaining open, regular communications with partners
Resolving conflicts with partners in a timely manner
Leveraging County resources through partnerships and collaborative efforts
Working with partners to fill community gaps
Utilizing partners to engage hard-to-reach populations in order to assure services are culturally and socially appropriate
Proactively communicating with Eagle County residents
Appropriately involving residents in the governance process
Effectively using boards, commissions, and task forces to address community issues, and assuring diverse representation that reflects the community
Informing residents about the County's mission, goals, finances, and services
Having a visible presence in the community
Engaging the residents in major projects, development of policies and plans, and planning the County's future
Participating in community events and meetings
Assuring non-English Speaking residents and other hard-to-reach populations have a voice in county planning, programming, and evaluation
Vision: Eagle County is made up of thriving communities for families and is home to a vibrant workforce, with personal health and wellness achievable for all. Our natural beauty is preserved through purposeful environmental stewardship. We are an international year-round resort destination with a diverse, resilient economy.
Quality early childhood development and enrichment opportunities for every child
Socio-economic and cultural diversity
All definitions of family
Attractive, family friendly neighborhoods with convenient access to amenities
Gathering places and events that encourage residents getting to know and enjoy each other 6. Sense of personal safety and security
Free or low-cost family activities and events, including recreational/leisure and arts/culture
Workforce development and training for 21st century jobs
Diverse jobs with livable wages for residents
Range of quality housing choices: prices, types, locations, rental or ownership
Opportunities for first-time homebuyers
Mixed-income residential development
Residences and workplaces connected by transit options
Accessible, affordable, and quality medical and healthcare services for all
Prevention programs and services with a high rate of utilization
Full range of programs and services for the whole person: mental, physical, dental
Activities, events, and programs that support and promote personal wellness
Equitable services and opportunities tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations
Natural and built environments that promote personal wellness
Abundant clean water for our rivers, creeks, and lakes
Green, healthy forests
Open space with community buffers
Clean air
Unobstructed vistas
Local and regional leadership on environmental issues
Use and promotion of solar and other renewable energy sources to protect our climate
Reduction, reuse, and recycling of solid waste county wide
“Net Zero” energy use for County government
Reduction in our community’s greenhouse gas emissions
Accessible, useable transportation options including public transit, trails, alternative fuel vehicles
Healthy, interconnected, and sustainable eco-systems
Successful four-season venues, programs, and experiences
International brand recognition
World-class competition and events regularly scheduled in Eagle County
Opportunities for residents to enjoy events and activities
Model of resort environmental stewardship
Successful ski resort corporation
Convenient, affordable air service with connections for international travel
Convenient and safe travel to and from DIA and the Front Range
Strong tourism with returning visitors
Positive environment for innovators and entrepreneurs
World-class destination for medical, healthcare and wellness services
Expanded higher educational and degree programs
Home-based businesses and offices
Access to broadband for all 7. Green business economy
Farm and ranch-based businesses with “farm to table” and local food production opportunities