“Boards and commissions bring credibility, provide balanced views, and can act as a sounding board for new ideas.”
-Connie Portee, Orangeburg County Clerk to Council on the role boards and commissions have in local government
The most important role of boards and commissions is to increase public participation in government. They’re democratic institutions allowing citizens to go a step beyond voting and shape policy.
Most boards primarily serve in an advisory capacity or as an appeals panel for issues like zoning and tax assessments. On these boards, you won’t be establishing zoning laws or writing tax policy, but you will be advising city or county council so they can do those things more effectively. You provide valuable insight and help handle issues that arise so council members can focus on the big picture.
Some boards do have a more prominent role in decision-making. For example, on a human relations council, you’ll help make decisions to improve community relations, and on a fire commission, you’ll oversee operations that provide fire protection to the area. Your county council may make appointments to the local hospital board. Those boards set policies for the facility and oversee its administrators.
What are your responsibilities as a board member?
- Meet as required – This can range from an as-needed basis to once a month.
- Participate – Do more than just show up to meetings. Fully engage. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and generate discussion.
- Elect board leadership – Most boards require a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary. Board members vote on these roles, and you could serve in one of these positions.
- Provide insight – Your council relies on your unbiased feedback to effectively govern.
- Make decisions – You’ll be making decisions that must benefit the whole community.
- Report to council – Your board may need to submit its meeting minutes for review, present at council meetings, or meet with department staff.
Exercise
Not sure what category the boards you’re interested in fall under? Check the boards’ enabling legislation to see what its role is. Local codes of ordinance, the S.C. Code of Laws, and MatchBoard are great places to look.
TIP: Keep in mind these are not paid positions. Board and commission members are not compensated for their time. You’re volunteering to better your community.
Additional Resources
Understanding the Board Process – SpringBoard 2022
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