There are seven members of the Board of County Commissioners for Hillsborough County.  Four are elected for single member districts, and three are elected count wide.  The Board approves the County's operating and capital budgets as well as the County's capital improvement program.  It may take action on any programs for the improvement of the county and the welfare of its residents.

Under a Charter Ordinance that went into effect in May of 1985, County Commissioners are directed to perform legislative functions of government by developing policy for the management of Hillsborough County.  The County Administrator, a professional appointed by the Board, and the administrative staff are responsible for implementation of these policies.

The Board also serves as the Environmental Protection Commission.  Individual Board members serve on various other board, authorities, and commissions, such as the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HartLine); Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council; Tampa Bay Water; Aviation Authority; Expressway Authority; Sports Authority; Port Authority; Arts Council of Hillsborough County; Children's Board; Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO); and the Council of Governments.

Meetings

Regulary meetings of the BOCC are open to the public and are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Speakers generally are limited to three minutes.  The Commissioners' offices and boardrooms are located on the 2nd floor of the County Center at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa.  The meetings are also aired live on Hillsborough Television.  Check your cable listings for the appropriate channel in your area.