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County manager explains how Columbia County government is structured and how residents can engage
Summary
County Manager Scott Johnson outlines Columbia County's commission-manager form of government, the roles of constitutional officers and advisory boards, why cities and unincorporated areas differ, and how residents should report service issues.
Scott Johnson, Columbia County's county manager, described the county's commission-manager form of government and urged residents to use county systems such as 311 and HyperReach for service issues.
Johnson opened with what he called "government 1 0 1," saying Columbia County has five commissioners—four elected by district and a countywide chair—and that the board sets policy, budgets and millage rates. "We are what's called a commission manager form of government," he said, adding that it takes three votes of the commission to take official action.
The county manager is a full-time executive hired by and reporting to the entire Board of Commissioners. Johnson said he has served as county manager since 2011 and described his role as…
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