Member Overview
Polk County has the most popular form of county government - the Commission Form. Serving a population of approximately 32,000 people, Polk County’s Board of Commissioners has five members, with residents from each of the five districts electing one member of the Board to serve a 4-year term. The Board of Commissioners is the policy-making body doing the following:
- Approving a capital improvement plan
- Ensuring citizen concerns are met
- Making land-use decisions
- Setting a budget and levy
- Adopting rules and policies
County Positions
The Board of Commissioners appoints a County Administrator to oversee department heads, policy implementation and daily operations of the County. In addition, Commissioners appoint the:
- County Assessor
- County Auditor-Treasurer
- County Recorder
- Environmental Services Director
- Highway Engineer
- Human Services Director
- Veterans Service Officer
Selecting Representatives
The Board also selects representatives to serve on other County boards and committees, such as the Planning Commission and the Board of Adjustment.
Sub-Committees
In addition to regular County Board meetings, Commissioners serve on county-related boards and sub-committees. They also bring the County’s concerns before state and federal lawmakers and interact with other local boards, such as city councils and township boards.
Board Responsibilities
Major responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Establishing a budget and levying taxes to finance County services.
- Providing assistance to constituents as their elected representative.
- Appointing members to County Board committees (with the exception of elected officials).
- Serving on the Board of Health as well as several other committees and boards.
- Managing county roads, buildings, and property.
- Planning land use within the county
- Authorizing expenditures.
- Serving as employer for County personnel.
Legislative & Administrative Head
The Board functions as the legislative and administrative head of Polk County. The powers of the Board are outlined in Minnesota Statutes. The management and control of County property and the transaction of business affairs of the County are vested in the Board.
District Finder & Map
Enter your address in the District and Precinct Finder to determine which commissioner district and city precinct you live in. The Finder will also list the congressional, legislative, judicial, and school districts you live in and your assigned polling location.
Review the District Map 2022 Resolution.