|
1852-1998
The County Commission served as the governing body that organized and maintained county services and that managed all county business and property. Minutes were kept by the County Clerk and include both summaries of topics discussed during the meetings and a listing of all orders and decisions made by the board.
During the territorial years, 1852-1896: The predominant activities discussed in the minutes involved the laying out of roads and irrigation canals; the creation and supervision of election and school districts; providing for the poor and the insane; and locating sites for the erection of public buildings. They also levied property taxes, paid bills and wages, and supervised the operation of county government. Appointment of officials and issues regarding personnel hiring, salary, and retention decisions are also recorded in the Minutes. After 1884 they were responsible for issuing business licenses, including franchises for utilities and transit systems. Provision was also made that year for them to approve the incorporation of towns.
Twentieth Century: The development of water and sewage systems, the coordination of police and fire protection, the supervision of private contractors and their work on county projects and housing subdivisions, and the provision of a wide variety of other social services. After 1941 zoning issues also became an important topic in the minutes.
|
