LANSING, Mich. (April 30, 2021) — The Senate Local Government Committee unanimously approved Senate Bills 242 and 245 yesterday, sponsored by Sens. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) and Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), to increase the length of terms for county commissioners from two years to four years.
“The scope of county commissioners has increased since two-year county commission terms were set decades ago. County commissioners consider detailed and comprehensive proposals that impact economic development, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure in communities throughout the state,” Sen. Moss said. “Our bills bring Michigan county commission terms more in line with counties throughout the country that recognize these critical issues deserve robust analysis and deliberation before the next campaign cycle arrives.”
The 1963 Michigan Constitution stipulated four-year terms for the county Board of Supervisors, the preceding body to today’s Board of Commissioners. The Legislature voted in 1966 to abolish Boards of Supervisors and formally replace them with Boards of Commissioners, serving two-year terms.
Michigan is just one of five states that still has a two-year term for county commissioners, according to the Michigan Association of Counties. Besides county commissioners, all other county and township elected officials are elected to terms of at least four years, making the position especially unique and the short terms especially dubious.
“Our county boards serve a critical role in shaping the lives of citizens. Decisions about courts, roads, airports, hospitals, jails, mental health, and so much more are in their hands,” Sen. McBroom said. “Moving to four-year terms, just as our county, city and township officials are, will help make the best and most consistent policies for our communities.
”If signed into law, the bills would go into effect beginning with the 2024 presidential election cycle, meaning elected county commissioners would serve from 2024 to 2028, and all future elected commissioners would serve their terms concurrent with future presidential elections.
Senate Bills 242 and 245 were voted favorably out of committee, without amendments.
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