HB719 Summary

• Establishes new county government structure consisting of an elected five-member county council (elected by district), an elected chief executive, and an appointed county manager for counties with a Class 1 municipality.

• Abolishes the office of county commissioner upon the swearing in of county council members and chief executive, while maintaining existing elected positions for treasurer, tax assessor, and tax collector.

• Vests legislative power in the county council and executive/administrative power in the chief executive and county manager, with detailed provisions for their respective duties, powers, and compensation.

• Requires adoption of a comprehensive fiscal plan including balanced annual operating and capital budgets, with specific procedures for budget preparation, public hearings, and veto authority for the chief executive.

• Establishes voter initiative and referendum powers, allowing citizens to propose ordinances through petitions (500 signatures for council consideration or 3% of gubernatorial voters for ballot referendum), and implements a four-year sunset review process for county departments and agencies.