Annually, the Commission submits a report to the State Ethics Commission, showing County compliance with State regulations (Code State Government Article, sec. 15-803(b)).
Five members appointed by the Board of County Commissioners constitute the Commission. Members serve three-year terms (County Code, secs. 29-1 through 29-9).
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Annually, the Commission reports on its activities to the Board of County Commissioners.
Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, the Commission consists of a minimum of seven members who serve three-year terms. Chosen by the Commission, the chair and vice-chair serve one-year terms (County Code, secs. 36-1 through 36-8).
Formed in 2002, the Human Relations Commission provides advice and assistance to those in Kent County who file complaints of discrimination against federal or State agencies. In the community, the Commission promotes programs aimed at raising awareness of and discouraging unlawful discrimination. At the behest of the Board of County Commissioners, the Commission also studies, submits reports, and offers advice on matters of discrimination prohibited by federal or State law.
FINANCE OFFICE
Since 1895, the Kent County Treasurer has been elected by the voters (Chapter 292, Acts of 1894). In 1930, the term for the Treasurer expanded to four-years (Chapter 146, Acts of 1929). The office of County Treasurer was dissolved in 1990, when its duties were assigned to the Director of Budget and Accounting. In 2006, the Director of Budget and Accounting was renamed as Chief Finance Officer (County Code 1989, Chapter 9, Art. 1, secs. 9-1 through 9-9; County Code, sec. 54-1).
The Finance Office is responsible for budgetary matters, tax levies, and all fiscal matters of County government. The Office also maintains an office in Chestertown, which allows for in-person payment of fines, fees, and taxes, including payment for water and wastewater services, MVA sticker renewal, and purchase or renewal of dog licenses (County Code, secs. 54-1 through 54-3).
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Origins of the Finance Office and its oversight of County finances trace to the 18th century. From 1776 to 1843, the financial supervision of Maryland counties was overseen by two State Treasurers. One served the Eastern Shore, and the other, the counties west of the Chesapeake. In 1843, the two positions merged, and a single State Treasurer began to oversee each county's finances. In 1890, the position of County Treasurer was established by State law (Chapter 203, Acts of 1890). At that time, the County Treasurer was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to serve a two-year term.
Founded as Information Systems in 2004, the Information Technology Department adopted its current name in May 2009. The Department acquires, maintains, and develops digital systems and networks to meet the technological needs of County agencies. The Department also advises the Board of County Commissioners on matters of information technology use, development, and need. Overseeing and improving the County’s digital infrastructure, the Department aids resident as well as government communication.
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