This page contains information relating to Walker County Government’s transition from a Sole Commissioner form of government to a Board of Commissioners and was published prior to the new Board taking office. The inaugural board was sworn-in December 30, 2020 and took office on January 1, 2021.
Recent posts on this topic:
- Qualifying for local offices – 9:00 a.m. on March 2, 2020 to 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on March 6, 2020 (click here to see who qualified to run for office)
- Walker County Voters to Receive Informational Precinct Cards
- How Walker Works – Elections Office Prepares for the Transition to a Board of Commissioners
- Changing Walker County’s Form of Government
The first group of board members will be elected in November 2020, following a primary in May 2020. There will be four district commissioners and an at-large chairperson. Along with presiding over meetings, the chairperson administers the affairs and day to day business of the county.
District 1 & 2 Commissioners will serve an initial two-year term, while the District 3 & 4 Commissioners and the Chairperson will serve four-year terms. After 2022, all commissioner seats will become four-year terms. This means every two years, two of the district commissioner positions will be on the ballot.
Additional information:
- Which district are you in? Click here to view the map.
- Read the state legislation that is changing Walker County’s form of government.
- Walker County last changed its form of government in 1940, when it transitioned from a board to a Sole Commissioner.
- In the event of a vacancy on the board: A special election will be called to fill the seat if 180+ days remain on the term. If less than 180 days remain on the term, the board shall appoint someone to fill the vacancy.
- District commissioners will be paid $12,000 per year.
- The chairperson will be paid $100,000 or $500 more than the highest paid elected county officer, whichever is greater. The state dictates the pay of elected officials, based on position and years of service.
- During the first board meeting in 2021, the board shall select a vice chairperson and establish a meeting schedule (time, date and place).
- Three commissioners constitute a quorum.
- The board shall appoint legal counsel, an independent county auditor and a clerk.
- The board may change the ending and beginning of the county’s fiscal year. Currently, the county operates on a October 1 – September 30 fiscal calendar.
- The board shall publish a statement of the financial condition of the county twice a year, showing data as of June 30 and December 31.