Annually, the Commission must certify to the State Ethics Commission that the County is in compliance with State law governing the public ethics of local officials (Code State Government Article, sec. 15-803(b)).
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to three-year terms, the Ethics Commission, in turn, selects from its membership an Ethics Administrator. The Ethics Administrator is a nonvoting member of the Commission (County Code, secs. 18-1 through 18-15).
When complaints are made against providers, the Commission holds public hearing to determine if providers are in violation of local regulations. If found culpable, they may be fined or have their franchise rights revoked. In cases regarding federal, or State regulations, the Commission is responsible for pursuing the appropriate legal action.
For franchise holders, the Commission advises on regulatory matters, reviews financial records and procedures, and conducts negotiations and arbitration between franchise holders (County Code, Chapter 93).
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
The Comptroller manages County assets, oversees audits and the fiscal procedures of County agencies, and maintains their financial records. Annually, the Comptroller reports to the Board of County Commissioners on County assets, revenue, and expenditures.
Under the Comptroller are the Collections Office, and two Bureaus: Accounting; and Purchasing.
COLLECTIONS OFFICE
The Department oversees the Bureau of Budget and two offices: Grants, and Risk Management.
GRANTS OFFICE
OFFICE OF RISK MANAGEMENT
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ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Adminstrative Services oversees three offices: Human Resources, Management Analysis, and Technology Services. In addition, Administrative Services acts as liaison to the Cable Regulatory Commission.
CABLE REGULATORY COMMISSION
In 2001, the Cable Regulatory Commission was established to enforce the Cable Franchise Agreement. The Commission is a quasi-government entity that coordinates cable television access within the County, and monitors regulatory compliance by cable providers. Prior to their conducting business in the County, all cable providers must be approved by the Commission, which is empowered to grant franchise rights within the County.
Formerly the Department of Human Resources, the Office of Human Resources administers the personnel policies of the County; ensures the County's compliance with all applicable laws regulating employment; and oversees compensation programs for County employees. The Office informs employees of personnel policies, procedures, and activities affecting the County's operation; and establishes and maintains all personnel records for County employees. (County Code of Ordinances, secs. 48-1 through 48-12).
To ensure efficient and responsible expenditure of County funds, the Office of Management Analysis conducts performance evaluations of County agencies, as well as other public and private agencies and organizations that receive County funds. The Office then presents its findings and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
Examining the needs of County government, the Office of Technology Services produces and procures hardware and software necessary to meet those needs. Digital communication networks in the County are managed by the Office, which also develops and maintains network security systems. A help desk is staffed by the Office to coordinate system repairs, and train County personnel in the use of systems and equipment. The Office also oversees the County’s Geographic Information Systems, and Enterprise Database Management.
DEPARTMENT OF THE COMPTROLLER
Tax duties in Carroll County began in 1837 with the State Treasurer, who appointed Tax Commissioners to oversee the collection, and disbursement of local tax revenue. In 1872, these duties transferred to the County Treasurer. Elected by the voters to a two-year term, the Treasurer also served as Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. In 1966, the Treasurer's term was extended to four years (Chapter, 60, Acts of 1965). When the office of County Treasurer was abolished in 1971, its duties transferred to the County Budget Officer, who was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (Chapter 744, Acts of 1971; County Code, sec. 3-601). In 1975, the position of County Comptroller was created to replace the County Budget Officer.
On behalf of the Comptroller, the Collections Office is responsible for collection of State and local taxes, utility bills, and additional fees due the County.
BUREAU OF ACCOUNTING
The Bureau of Accounting maintains records of all County fiscal transactions, administers the County payroll, and issues bills for property taxes, and public utilities. Annually, the Bureau creates a comprehensive financial report, which the Comptroller submits to the Board of County Commissioners.
BUREAU OF PURCHASING
The Bureau of Purchasing oversees and approves all County government purchases. The Bureau establishes purchasing procedures, and conducts auctions for County contracts and surplus equipment. The Bureau also enforces the County’s minority business enterprise policy (County Code, secs. 3-202, 3-213, and 3-401).
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET
Collecting and analyzing the fiscal records of all County agencies, the Department of Management and Budget advises those agencies and the Board of County Commissioners on fiscal management, and oversees the preparation of the County's annual budget (County Code, secs. 3-601 through 3-603).
For County agencies and nonprofit organizations, the Grants Office conducts research and screening to locate and obtain federal and State funds. The Office also offers application development and editing services, and advises grant recipients on requirements.
Safety and insurance programs are conducted by the Office of Risk Management. The Office is responsible for ensuring safe work environments for County employees, and maintaining insurance for all employees, facilities, and vehicles.
BUREAU OF BUDGET
The Bureau of Budget monitors revenue and expenditures, and conducts budget estimates and revenue projections for County government. Preparing the County's annual budget for the Board of County Commissioners, the Bureau advises the Board on all budgetary matters, enacts all Board recommendations, and oversees the publication of the operating and capital budget books.
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