Board of County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners, together with Manatee County's five constitutional officers, comprise Manatee County Government. The Board of County Commission establishes policy for County departments and appoints the County Administrator who carries out the day-to-day business of the County.

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Manatee County Board of County Commissioners

Open Seat
Open Seat
Third Vice Chair
District 1
941-745-3701













Amanda Ballard
Amanda Ballard
First Vice Chair,
Port Authority Third Vice Chair &
TDC First Vice Chair
District 2
941-745-3702


Kevin Van Ostenbridge
Kevin Van Ostenbridge
Port Authority Chair
District 3
941-745-3705









Mike Rahn
Mike Rahn
Chairman
District 4
941-745-3713













Ray Turner
  Ray Turner
Second Vice Chair, Port Authority Second Vice Chair & TDC Chair
District 5
941-745-3708













Jason Bearden
Jason Bearden
Port Authority
First Vice Chair
District 6 At Large
941-745-3704
George Kruse
 George Kruse
District 7 At Large
941-745-3714























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Commissioner Topics

Information and topics your commissioners want you to know about.

Commission Districts Map

 

Revised APR 2024

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What do County Commissioners do?

The Board is the legislative branch and governing body of Manatee County Government. The Board legislates policy to protect the health, welfare, safety and quality of life of Manatee County residents.

The Board of County Commissioners is comprised of seven members. Five members are elected from single-member districts, and two are elected county-wide. Each district commissioner must reside in the district for which he or she seeks election.

County Commissioners have a number of responsibilities, including:

  • Perform legislative functions of government by developing policy for the management of Manatee County
  • Disseminate information to the public through ordinances and resolutions
  • Approve the County's operating and capital budgets
  • Approve the County's Capital Improvement Program, which is a schedule of all County infrastructure projects
  • Take action on any programs to improve the County and the welfare of its residents
  • Appoint the County Administrator, County Attorney and numerous advisory and regulatory board members
  • Serve as the Port Authority
  • Serve on local, regional and state boards

More information about the powers and duties of the County Commissioners can be found in Florida Statute Chapter 125.01.