Frequently Asked Questions:

What is wrong with having only three commissioners?

Since 1980, the county population has increased by half, and is expected to increase by 100,000 more in the next 20 years. This will put enormous pressure on us to use our resources wisely, and to make smart decisions about how to manage growth, economic, environmental and infrastructure needs. In addition, Marion County's obligations to its 20 incorporated cities require wide-ranging and widely discussed ideas. In this environment, five people making decisions have a higher probability of success than three. 

(Ex of Issues=Garbage management and burner; park land; fire/ambulance service; relationships with cities; redistricting in 2011 with new census date; annexations, revenue sharing with cities; MH group homes.)

Why change things when “everything is running smoothly”?

Many citizens do not have the time to keep up with the in’s and out’s of how things are really running. Thus, it appears that things are “running smoothly”. Marion County does have a strong Chief Administrative Officer who does keep the wheels turning and is doing an excellent job. The Charter retains the CAO position. 

Won’t more commissioners result in “bigger government and more spending”?

No. With 5 commissioners there will be better checks on what the other commissioners are doing and how money is being spent. Also, due to the proposed district model, citizens will be able to watchdog more easily. Also, due to current financial shortfalls, it would be extremely difficult for the county to find more revenue sources.

Why nonpartisan commissioners?

Nonpartisan election for county government is the wave of the future. The types of decisions made at the county level should not be made through partisan thought. Other Marion County elected positions such as Sheriff, Assessor, District Attorney and Clerk are already nonpartisan.

What will improve?

Electing commissioners by district gives the voter a closer connection to their county representative. Candidates will have to run only in the district in which they reside, making candidacy less expensive and time consuming. We should see a greater array of candidates familiar with local issues. Note: The current commissioners live in different parts of the county only by coincidence. In the past, the commissioners have usually been clustered from one or two areas. The charter proposal requires the 5 commissioners live in their respective districts.

Why a charter initiative?

Counties are automatically “general law”. However, they have the option of adopting a home rule charter. A home rule charter provides for greater individuality so that the county can address matters that are unique to it. A charter can provide details related to structure. It can be amended by a vote of the people.

The cost of one county commissioner:
Salary: $73,565.86 OPE (social security, workers compensation, health insurance etc.): $34,633.01

The cost of one of the county commissioner's policy advisers:
Salary: $75,050.36 OPE (social security, workers compensation, health insurance etc.): $33,386.11

The cost of the elected Treasurer:
Salary: $80,745.60 OPE (social security, workers compensation, health insurance etc.): $38,986.56

The cost of other two staffers in the Treasurer's office:
Salary: $49,247.82 OPE (social security, workers compensation, health insurance etc.): $25,068.52
Salary: $36,320.58 OPE (social security, workers compensation, health insurance etc.): $21,838.76

The cost of office space for one commissioner:
The allocated cost for each commissioner's office space is $1,798.27 per year. That is for utilities, maintenance and janitorial services.