The Dare County Board of Commissioners serves the people of Dare County. At each meeting, the commissioners remind themselves of their public service mission by placing the following question at the top of their agenda: “How will these decisions impact our children and families?” 

Dare County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners who conduct public meetings on a regularly scheduled basis. The Board of Commissioners appoints the County Manager, who is the administrative head responsible for executing policy implementation. The board also appoints the Clerk to the Board.

Commissioners are elected to four-year, staggered terms. Elections are held in November of even-numbered years, and new board members take office on the first Monday in December following the November election. At this meeting, the board also elects its chairman and vice chairman.

While the entire county votes for each of the commissioners who fill the seven seats, six of those seven commissioners must reside in one of the specific legislative districts within Dare County. The seventh commissioner is elected at large and can reside in any of the districts.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners serves the people of Dare County by carrying out the responsibilities set forth by the North Carolina General Statutes, including:

• Adopting an annual budget
• Establishing the property tax rate
• Conducting public hearings and meetings
• Establishing fees and comprehensive use plans
• Setting policies, goals and objectives to direct County growth
• Entering into written contractual or legal obligations for the County
• Adopting ordinances, rules and regulations for the general welfare