Annually, the Commission submits a report to the State Ethics Commission, showing County compliance with State regulations (Code State Government Article, sec. 15-803(b)).
Seven members constitute the Ethics Commission. They are appointed by County Executive with County Council consent to four-year terms (County Charter, Art. X, secs. 1001-1001C; County Code, secs. 7-1-101 through 7-8-103)
SEVERN RIVER COMMISSION
The Severn River runs from its head waters in the western part of Anne Arundel County and enters Chesapeake Bay at Annapolis. For its preservation, the Commission advises government agencies on policies to enhance and protect the natural, historic and scenic qualities of the River and its watershed. The Commission also reviews existing laws; and develops proposed legislation.
Biennial reports to the County Council and the Annapolis City Council are submitted by the Commission.
The Commission consists of fourteen members who serve three-year terms. Of nine voting members, seven are appointed by the Anne Arundel County Executive, and two by the Annapolis Mayor. Five nonvoting members serve ex officio.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
Eighteen members constitute the Commission, and are appointed to two-year terms by the County Executive.
OFFICE OF BUDGET
The Committee is appointed to four-year terms by the County Executive with County Council consent (County Charter, Art. VI, sec. 610).
OFFICE OF CENTRAL SERVICES
OFFICE OF FINANCE
OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
In cooperation with the Federal Communication Commission, the Office of the Cable Television Administrator monitors and regulates all cable providers operating in the County (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47).
Heading the Office of Information Technology, the Information Technology Officer is appointed by County Executive (County Charter, Art. V, secs. 529A-529B).
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL
Before the County changes the manner of funding a County pension plan, the County must submit a written statement of its proposed action to the Commission. On or before the thirtieth day after receipt of the proposal, the Commission is to report its findings and recommendations to the County official responsible for the proposal. Unless the County Executive declares that an emergency exists that demands immediate action, the County may not take any action that commits the County to the proposed action until it has either received the Commission's report or the time period for submission of the report has expired.
On request of the County Executive, any member of the County Council, the Board of Appeals, the Personnel Officer, or any participant in a County pension plan, the Pension Oversight Commission shall provide a written interpretation of any provisions of a County pension plan.
Annually, the Commission submits an annual report on the status of each County pension plan to the County Executive and County Council.
The Commission consists of nine members appointed to four-year terms by the County Executive with County Council consent (County Charter, secs. 606-609; County Code, secs. 7-101 through 7-102).
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ETHICS COMMISSION
Created in 1985, the Ethics Commission reviews the County Public Ethics Law, and may draft amendments as necessary. Proposed resolutions that pertain to public ethics are reviewed by the Commission, which provides and maintains ethics forms and notices. The Commission also investigates violation allegations, and hears and rules on such allegations.
Formed jointly by County Council and Annapolis City Council resolutions in 1984, the Severn River Commission had limited jurisdiction. Originally its charge was to advise State and local governments on environmental concerns to the Severn, compile an initial report (Jan. 1987) and final report (Jan. 1989), and disband in December 1989. However, both the Anne Arundel County Council and Annapolis City Council, in December 1989 authorized the Commission to continue indefinitely.
Created in 1975, the Commission for Women serves to advise the County Executive on matters regarding women and families.
The Office of the Budget is administered by the Budget Officer. Under supervision of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Budget Officer formulates the County budget. The Budget Officer assists agencies in the preparation of their budgets and in improving budget execution and reducing costs (County Charter, Art. V, secs. 515-516; Art. VII, 701-722).
SPENDING AFFORDABILITY COMMITTEE
The Spending Affordability Committee advises the Office of the Budget, the County Executive, and County Council on spending affordability, including County spending levels that reflect taxpayers' ability to finance County services and long-term debt. No later than 150 days before the end of each fiscal year, Committee recommendations are presented in a report and made available for public inspection.
The Office of Central Services is responsible for the administration of the purchasing policies of the County. The maintenance, operation, and management of all land and buildings owned by or operated by the County is overseen by the Office which also makes, renews, and cancels all contracts of insurance in which the County, or any office, department, institution, board, commission or other agency of the County government is named as insured. In addition, the Office makes available to other County offices, departments, boards, institutions, and agencies duplicating, stenographic, mail, messenger, stores, transportation, central garage, automotive maintenance, data processing or other central services (County Charter, Art. V, secs. 523-524; Art. IX, secs. 901-911).
For Anne Arundel County, the Office of Finance is headed by the Controller. The Comptroller administers the financial affairs of the County, including the collection of State and County taxes, special assessments, utility assessments and charges, fees and other revenues and funds of every kind due to the County. The Controller also is responsible for the enforcement of the collection of taxes; the custody and safekeeping of all funds and securities belonging to or by law deposited with, distributed to, or handled by the County; the disbursement of County funds; the keeping and supervision of all accounts; and such other functions as may be prescribed by the Chief Administrative Officer or by ordinance of the County Council (County Charter, Art. V, secs. 511-514).
Since 1988, the Office of Information Technology has been responsible for all data processing needs of County government. The Office maintains the County’s electronic infrastructure and digital security, and offers staff training in updated applications. In addition, the Office oversees the County’s Geographic Information Services, the Office of the Cable Television Administrator; and the community television station (Channel 98).
The Office of Personnel is administered by the Personnel Officer. The Personnel Officer conducts or directs investigations into the character and fitness of applicants for appointment to the classified service; prepares and conducts examinations for original appointment and promotion for positions in the classified service; and organizes recruitment plans to attract qualified persons to the classified service. The Personnel Officer also maintains and certifies to the appointing authority eligibility lists setting forth the names and comparative qualifications of persons eligible to be appointed to positions in the classified service. Moreover, the Personnel Officer authorizes the payment of all payrolls for employees in the classified service;
directs and enforces the maintenance by all County departments, boards, commissions, offices, and agencies of the personnel provisions in the County Charter and their related rules, regulations, and ordinances; and
submits all proposed personnel rules and regulations to the Personnel Board for their review and comment prior to adoption (County Charter, Art. V, secs. 517-521; Art. VIII, secs. 801-814; County Code, Art. 6).
PENSION OVERSIGHT COMMISSION
The County Council provides the Pension Oversight Commission with a copy of any proposed ordinance or resolution pertaining to a County retirement plan. On or before the thirtieth day after receipt of the proposal, the Commission is to review it and report its findings and recommendations to the County Executive and County Council.
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