Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 3-1201 - Membership(a) The Somerset County Board shall be elected and consists of one member elected from each commissioner district in the county.(b)(1) A member from a commissioner district shall be a resident of that district.(2) A candidate for the county board shall be a registered voter of the county.(3) A member from a commissioner district who no longer resides in that district may not continue as a member of the county board.(c) Members of the board shall be elected at a general election as required by subsection (d) of this section.(d)(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, each member serves for a term of 4 years beginning on January 1 after the member's election and until a successor is elected and qualifies.(2)(i) The terms of members are staggered as provided in this paragraph.(ii)1. The members elected at the 2004 election from commissioner districts 1, 3, and 5 shall serve an initial term of 2 years.2. An election shall be conducted in 2006 and every 4 years thereafter.(iii)1. The members elected at the 2004 election from commissioner districts 2 and 4 shall serve an initial term of 4 years.2. An election shall be conducted in 2008 and every 4 years thereafter.(3) The Governor shall appoint a qualified individual to fill any vacancy on the board for the remainder of the term and until a successor is elected and qualifies.(e)(1) The State Board may remove a member of the county board for: (ii) Misconduct in office;(iv) Willful neglect of duty.(2) Before removing a member, the State Board shall send the member a copy of the charges against him and give him an opportunity within 10 days to request a hearing.(3) If the member requests a hearing within the 10-day period: (i) The State Board promptly shall hold a hearing, but a hearing may not be set within 10 days after the State Board sends the member a notice of the hearing; and(ii) The member shall have an opportunity to be heard publicly before the State Board in his own defense, in person or by counsel.(4) A member removed under this subsection has the right to a de novo review of the removal by the Circuit Court for Somerset County.