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Overview of County Government
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Contents:
Charter Government
The voter-approved Palm Beach County Home Rule Charter became effective in 1985. True Home Rule gives the Board of County Commissioners the ability to create, through a local public hearing ordinance procedure, local laws that are not in conflict with or specifically prohibited by state general law or the Florida Constitution. This process is done without having to go to the Florida Legislature to request special legislation to create these laws.
The Legislative Branch
Palm Beach County is governed by the seven-member Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Board members are elected to staggered four-year terms by registered voters in the district in which the commissioners reside. Commissioners are sworn into office two weeks after being elected in the November general election and may not serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. Every two years, the BCC elects a chairperson to preside over County Commission meetings and serve as the ceremonial head of Palm Beach County government. A vice chairperson is also selected to assume these duties in the absence of the chair.
Your Commission (Back to Top)
The Palm Beach County Charter and Chapter 125.01 of the Florida Statutes establish the specific duties and powers of the Board of County Commissioners. The BCC adopts ordinances (local laws) and resolutions to establish policies and programs aimed at protecting the health, safety and general welfare of Palm Beach County residents. The County Commission works to resolve major problems facing local government and guides growth and development throughout the county to be consistent with the public interest. Following are some of the specific duties undertaken by the BCC:
- Provide law enforcement and fire-rescue protection and disaster relief services;
- Construct and maintain County-owned buildings, roads and bridges, and utility systems;
- Provide programs for housing, community redevelopment, land conservation, flood and beach erosion control, and air-pollution control;
- Adopt and enforce building and housing codes and regulations;
- Prepare, enforce and periodically review the Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan for the development of unincorporated areas of the county;
- Construct and operate cultural, recreational and library facilities and programs.
In addition, the Board of County Commissioners may enter into agreements with other governmental agencies for joint performance of duties.
Commission Meetings (Back to Top)
The BCC usually meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers located on the sixth floor of the County Governmental Center, 301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach. Workshops usually are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The BCC also sits as the Zoning Commission, which usually meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.
Public Comment (Back to Top)
- Citizens may offer comments on regular agenda items, items listed for public hearings and during Matters by the Public, which is usually held on the first Tuesday of the month in the afternoon. During Matters by the Public, citizens are welcome to address any issues under the jurisdiction of the board.
- Anyone wishing to speak is requested to complete a “Comments by the Public” card (available in the Chambers) and give it to the Public Affairs assistant at the staff table to ensure their turn at the appropriate time. There is generally a three-minute time limit, but the Chair may reduce the allotted time if there are many people wishing to speak.
- County Commission meetings are business meetings and as such the board retains the right to limit discussion on any issue. Citizens should verify meeting schedules in advance by contacting the Agenda Coordinator at 355-3229 or go to pbcgov.com and click on Agenda.
The Administrative Branch (Back
to Top)
The County Commission appoints a County Administrator who is assigned the executive responsibilities and powers to implement the board’s policies. Under the County Administrator’s direction, more than 30 departments, divisions and offices provide residents with needed services and programs.
Advisory Boards, Committees and Councils (Back to Top)
The BCC appoints residents to voluntarily serve on various advisory boards, commissions, committees and councils. Some of these advisory panels are required by state law; others are formed to address special needs and to help solve challenging issues. The Directory of Boards and Committees published by Public Affairs provides details about each panel along with contact information.
Funding County Government (Back to Top)
Palm Beach County’s financial operations are budgeted on a fiscal year that begins October 1. The Board of County Commissioners approves the operating budget and sets the property tax (millage) rate. Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, a proposed budget is submitted by the County Administrator, and two public hearings are held to obtain comments and feedback on the planned spending package. Once this budget review process is completed, the board advertises its intent to adopt the final budget along with a resolution to provide County government with operating and capital funds. Throughout the year, the BCC may review and amend the budget using this review process.
Constitutional Officers/Judiciary (Back to Top)
Constitutional officers and members of the Judiciary (judges) are the only Palm Beach County government officials other than County Commissioners who are elected by voters. There are seven constitutional officers: the Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser, Public Defender, Sheriff, State Attorney, Supervisor of Elections and Tax Collector. Each is elected to serve four-year terms, but unlike County Commissioners, constitutional officers are elected countywide (at large) and are not subject to term limits. Constitutional officers establish the budgets for their offices, independent of the operating budget set by the Board of County Commissioners. Although they operate independently, constitutional officers work in cooperation with the BCC in order to serve the public efficiently and cost-effectively.
Independent Taxing Districts (Back to Top)
There are a number of independent entities and special taxing districts in Palm Beach County whose assessments may appear on your tax bill. The Board of County Commissioners has no jurisdiction over these entities or their budgets. Examples include the Palm Beach County School District, the South Florida Water Management District, the Children’s Services Council, the Palm Beach County Health Care District, the Library District, the Port of Palm Beach District, and various improvement, water control, drainage and inlet districts. Local municipal governments also are empowered to impose their own ad valorem taxes over which the BCC has no jurisdiction.
Interesting Facts & Figures (Back to Top)
County History
- A U.S. Army fort built in Jupiter in 1838 is believed to be the first permanent non-Indian settlement in the area. The fort was followed by the first civilian residents who cared for the Jupiter Lighthouse beginning in 1860.
- In 1889, the Jupiter and Lake Worth Celestial Railroad, and a few years later Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railroad (FEC) began service, opening up Palm Beach County to tourism and interstate trade.
- Also in 1889, a heavy turnout at the voting polls forced Dade County, which included Palm Beach County at the time, to move its center of government from Miami to Juno where it remained until 1899. The Oakbrook Square Shopping Center is located where the former Juno Courthouse once stood.
- In 1894, West Palm Beach became incorporated making it the oldest municipality in the county.
- Palm Beach County was carved out of Dade County in 1909 becoming Florida’s 47th county. The first county government meetings were held in an old four-room school house at the corner of Clematis Street and Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. At the time, only about 5,300 people lived in the new county comprised of portions of what are now Broward, Martin and Okeechobee counties. Broward County was established in 1915, Okeechobee County in 1917 and Martin County in 1925.
- Until 1963, Palm Beach County’s borders incorporated all of Lake Okeechobee. The lake now is partitioned among the five counties that surround it.
- In 1905, Joseph Sakai began the Yamato Colony in present-day Boca Raton. Sakai attracted fellow Japanese to the area with the promise of farmland. One Japanese immigrant farmer who prospered at the colony was George Morikami. In gratitude, Morikami donated his home and part of his land to Palm Beach County for a museum and park.
- Palm Beach International Airport, formerly known as Morrison Field, opened in 1936. The current PBIA 24-gate jetway opened in October 1988.
Economics (Back to Top)
- The three major multi-billion-dollar industries in Palm Beach County are tourism, construction and agriculture. There are also many high-tech industries such as bioscience that contribute to the growing economy.
- Tourism accounts for more than 40,000 jobs in Palm Beach County; nearly seven percent of the county’s workforce earns a living from tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, stores and transportation services.
- According to a study, 7.2 million people visited Palm Beach County in 2004, and they spent $2.83 billion while they were here. Lodging accounted for $80 million; food and beverage $353 million.
- Passenger traffic at Palm Beach International Airport totaled 6.9 million in 2005, 400,000 more than in 2004.
- Housing statistics show 7,755 new single-family homes and 2,640 new multi-family units were built in 2005.
- Palm Beach County ranks first in the state in cash receipts from agricultural marketing at more than $2 billion annually. The western portion of the county is home to agricultural lands producing about 10 percent of the United States’ sugar supply as well as winter crops such as peppers and lettuce.
- In 2004, Business Facilities magazine rated Palm Beach County the number two hot spot in the nation for business headquarters, while Forbes ranked the West Palm Beach/Boca Raton market among the top 100 places for business and careers.
- In 2004, the per-capita personal income in Palm Beach County was $44,518 compared with a statewide figure of $31,469.
- Palm Beach County is the only county in Florida awarded “AAA” bond ratings by Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s.
- The Palm Beach County School District is the largest employer in Palm Beach County with approximately 20,000 employees. The School District oversees more than 150,000 students attending public elementary, middle and high schools in the county.
- Florida’s Enterprise Zone Program provides tax incentives to businesses located within or hiring from within the zones. The state currently has 19 enterprise zones with two in Palm Beach County.
- Palm Beach County’s Office of Small Business Assistance maintains a banking consortium with local lenders to make millions of dollars in low-interest loans available for small businesses.
Demographics (Back to Top)
- Weather
The average temperature in Palm Beach County is 75 degrees.
The average rainfall is 62 inches per year.
The last time it snowed in the county was 1978.
- Population
According to the 2005 Census estimate, 1,268,548 reside in Palm Beach County. Approximately 46 percent of residents live in one of the county’s 38 municipalities with the remainder living in unincorporated areas. West Palm Beach is the largest municipality, both in population and area. The city covers 52.64 square miles with a population of 90,721, according to the 2005 Census estimate. That same estimate ranks Boca Raton second with 83,760 residents. The smallest municipality in area is Briny Breezes. It covers about four-tenths of one square mile and has an estimated 2006 population of 418 residents. The smallest town in terms of population is Cloud Lake with 172 residents.
Geography (Back to Top)
- Counting its portion of Lake Okeechobee, Palm Beach County is the largest county in the state covering 2,578 square miles. Not counting the lake, it covers 1,974 square miles, second to Collier County’s 2,025 square miles. Palm Beach County is larger than two states: Rhode Island and Delaware.
- Palm Beach County’s 45 miles of Atlantic shoreline were nicknamed Florida’s Gold Coast after the gold recovered from Spanish galleons that sank offshore.
- The four largest lakes in Palm Beach County are Lake Okeechobee, 488,000 acres; Lake Mangonia, 540 acres; Clear Lake, 401 acres; and Lake Osborne, 356 acres.
- Eastern Palm Beach County is a thriving urban area while the central and western areas are more suburban and rural.
- The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is part of the famed Florida Everglades. The refuge covers 221 square miles and is located west of Boynton Beach off State Road 7.
Colleges and Universities (Back to Top)
Palm Beach County offers numerous opportunities to pursue higher education. Palm Beach Community College has four campus locations that offer associate and vocational/technical degrees, noncredit courses and workshops.
Florida Atlantic University offers undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs.
Palm Beach Atlantic University is a Christian-based four-year liberal arts school. Northwood University specializes in business and management degrees.
Other colleges in the area include Barry University, Lynn University, College of the Palm Beaches, Nova University and South University.
Houses of Worship (Back to Top)
There are 415 churches in Palm Beach County (320 Protestant; 35 Catholic), 30 Jewish temples, and 30 houses of worship of other denominations.
Sports/Recreation (Back to Top)
- Palm Beach County‘s Parks and Recreation Department operates 79 parks, including two water parks. Many County parks feature athletic facilities, camp sites, trails and beaches. For specific amenities and park locations, please see the Parks & Recreation publication Park Facility Guide.
- Environmental Resources Management maintains 28 natural areas and preserves that encompass nearly 30,000 acres.
- Palm Beach County is often referred to as “the Golf Capital of the World™” with more than 150 public and private golf courses.
- It is the Spring Training home of the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, who train at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. Professional baseball continues through the summer with the Class A Florida State League.
- Saltwater and freshwater fishing enthusiasts alike enjoy some of the best fishing opportunities in North America.
- Polo and equestrian events are very popular in Palm Beach County. Polo tournaments such as the $100,000 World Cup and the Winter Equestrian Festival bring large crowds and international celebrities. The County-owned Jim Brandon Equestrian Center at Okeeheelee Park hosts western and English horse shows throughout the year.
- Other outdoor sports enjoyed year-round are tennis, softball, soccer, bicycling, in-line skating, shuffleboard, croquet, boating, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, surfing, wind surfing and kite boarding, beach volleyball, water skiing, kayaking and canoeing. Endurance runners can compete in the annual Marathon of the Palm Beaches and numerous charity runs throughout the year.
Entertainment and Leisure (Back to Top)
- Palm Beach County offers a multitude of cultural attractions such as classical concerts, live theater, opera and ballet. Venues include the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, Delray Beach Playhouse, Watson B. Duncan Theater, Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center, Florida Ballet and the Palm Beach Opera. The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach provides some of the finest professional cultural productions anywhere in South Florida, while the Sound Advice Amphitheatre draws big-name pop, rock and country performers.
- History buffs will enjoy touring the many museums and gardens located throughout Palm Beach County, including the:
Loxahatchee River Historical Museum and Jupiter Lighthouse
S.D. Spady Museum
Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
Norton Museum of Art
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Bink Glisson Historical Museum
American Orchid Society Visitors Center and Botanical Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden
- The Palm Beach County Library System and local municipal libraries provide the foremost services and materials for educational and entertainment reading needs to the area’s residents.
- The South Florida Fairgrounds is home of the South Florida Fair and Exposition, an annual 17-day event held in late January.
- Lion Country Safari, located on Southern Boulevard near Wellington, is one of the oldest and most popular tourist attractions in the county, offering close-up views of wild animals from other continents.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30. Palm Beach County Public Affairs publishes a free Hurricane Survival Guide to help residents plan and prepare for storm season. Call 355-2754 for more information.
- Storm Terms (Back to Top)
- Hurricane: Formed when sustained winds in a system with cyclonic circulation reach 74 mph.
Tropical Storm: Formed when sustained winds reach 39 mph.
Tropical Depression: Formed when a tropical wave develops sustained winds up to 38 mph.
Tropical Disturbance, Tropical Wave, or Easterly Wave: This is a cluster of clouds and thunderstorms with no cyclonic circulation moving through the tropics.
Storm Surge: A wall of water or abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm.
- Hurricane Watch:
- A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are a possible threat within 36 hours.
A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours.
- Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Categories:
- Category 1: maximum sustained wind of 74-95 mph; storm surge 3-5 feet
Category 2: maximum sustained wind of 76-110 mph; storm surge 6-8 feet
Category 3: maximum sustained wind of 111-130 mph; storm surge 9-12 feet
Category 4: maximum sustained wind of 131-155 mph; storm surge 13-18 feet
Category 5: maximum sustained wind of 156+ mph; storm surge 19+ feet
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Government
