Welcome to the County Commissioners'

Association of West Virginia...


History...

The County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia (CCAWV) was formed in the late 1950's. It began as an association of Commissioners from across the state with officers, a board of directors, and numerous committees. In 1990, the CCAWV hired its first full-time Legislative Coordinator/Director, to organize, administrate, and attend to the needs of the County Commissioners' Association. The Association office was then located at 912 Quarrier Street together with the WV Association of Counties, our sister organization. In 1992, the offices moved to 2211 Washington Street. In 2000, we moved to our present location on 2309 Washington Street, East, Charleston, WV 25311. Our telephone is (304) 345-4639. Our fax number is (304) 346-3512.

Mission...

The mission of the County Commissioners' Association of WV is to "maintain a statewide agency for the purpose of promoting the interest and general welfare of local county government through a variety of communication tools; to represent county government before the West Virginia Legislature, administrative agencies, and the federal government; to educate the public about the value and need for county programs and services; and to facilitate the exchange of problems, ideas and solutions among county officials."

Membership...

All duly elected and acting County Commissioners are eligible for active membership in this organization. To become an active member, counties must join and pay appropriate dues to both the Association of Counties and the County Commissioners Association of WV. Membership is restricted to both organizations or neither, due to the close working nature of the two. Active members are assessed dues based on their county's assessed value and population. Payment of dues by a county entitles all commissioners from that county to membership in both organizations. Sustaining membership is available for any former county commissioner or other county or state official who shows sincere interest in the affairs of this Association, upon his or her request to and approval by the Board of Directors. Sustaining members may participate in the aims and purposes of this Association and shall be eligible to serve on committees, but shall not be entitled to vote. Sustaining members do not pay dues.

Association Officers and Board of Directors...

The officers of the County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia include a President, a Vice-President, and an immediate Past-President. The Executive Director serves as the Secretary/Treasurer without voting privileges. The CCAWV Board of Directors includes the officers and five members (one serving as chairperson) from each of the three West Virginia Congressional Districts (with the exception of Mason and Putnam Counties which are a part of the second district but for the purposes of electing board members are considered to be in the third district).

The business of the Association shall be conducted by its officers, its Board of Directors, the Executive Director, and the following standing committees: Executive Committee, Legislative Committee, Resolutions Committee, and Proposed Budget Committee.

The Executive Committee, which shall consist of the President, Vice-President, President's appointee, and the three Board Chairpersons from each district, is given specific authority to work with the Executive Director and to give direction to the Executive Director that in the committee's best judgment will correctly carry out the policies, procedures, and wishes of the Association. Members of the Executive Committee are automatically members of the Legislative Committee.

The Legislative Committee studies subjects of legislation affecting the counties and all bills introduced in the Legislature which affect the administration of the affairs of the counties. It works with the Executive Director to direct lobbying and take action on each bill as in its judgement will carry out the wishes of the counties.

The Resolutions Committee reviews and considers all resolutions presented to the Association and reports their recommendations back to the Association membership.

The Proposed Budget Committee works with the Executive Director to submit a proposed annual budget to the Board of Directors for approval.

Funding...

The Association's annual budget is made up of membership dues, registration fees for educational training, vendors' exhibiting fees at the annual conference, and interest income.

Collaboration...

The County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia works with state legislators, state agencies, associate member organizations (WV Association of Counties, WV Assessors' Association, WV County & Circuit Clerks Association, WV Sheriffs' Association, & WV Prosecuting Attorneys Institute), affiliate organizations (WV Municipal League, Public Employees Retirement System Association, & League of Women Voters) and national associations (National Association of Counties and affiliates ) to advance the moral, financial and general welfare of West Virginia's local governments.

Meetings...


The Association generally holds two meeting of the full membership each year....

The Annual meeting, a three day event, usually in the month of August, is held in conjunction with the State Tax Commissioners' Annual In-service Training for County Commissioners and Assistants. During this convention the Association elects its officers and board members and conducts Association business. In addition to the Tax Training, the County Commissioners' Association presents a one-day training series for commissioners on timely topics of county interest.

The "legislative meeting" is held during the first few weeks of the legislative session, as a part of the West Virginia Association of Counties' (WVACo) annual meeting. The County Commissioners Association presents its second one-day training series and conducts their association business meeting.
Commissioners are also provided the opportunity to meet with their legislators and discuss legislation affecting county government.

Ten (10) Regional Roundtables... The Association organizes ten regional roundtable gatherings across the state each year in November & December. County Commissioners, other elected officials, and Legislators in each region are invited to attend. We begin by discussing the legislative priorities for the year as adopted by the Board of Directors and then give all participants an opportunity to discuss with the group any problems, concerns, or bragging points. Information gathered from these meetings guide the Association in planning workshop topics.

The CCAWV's Board of Directors typically meet five times each year...

As a part of the Annual Meeting (typically held in August) the Board meets on the first day to take up any current or outstanding business. After the election of the new board during this annual meeting, the new board meets on the last day to introduce new members and to give the President the opportunity to make committee appointments.

On the first day of the "Legislative Meeting" held during the active session of the West Virginia Legislature (usually in February), the Board of Directors meet to conduct any pending business and to deal with legislative issues.

There are two separately scheduled board meetings with specific purposes on the annual calendar...
The fall board meeting, usually in October, is held to create a legislative agenda and set legislative priorities.

The board meets again in the spring, usually early June, to review financial matters and to adopt an annual budget. 
  
 

Services...

The association offers many services to its members. Included in those services are educational training series, legislative services, and various communications. 
 

Educational Programs...

Educational Programs are arranged by the Association in co-operation with the WV State Tax Department and West Virginia University

County Commissioners' Continuing Educational Training Series - 2 each year
WVU Local Government Leadership Academy - 2 each year
Annual Tax Meeting
Ten Annual Regional Roundtables
Training for "Newly Elected" Commissioners
Various workshops on timely topics 
 

Legislative Services...

During the legislative session the County Commissioners' Association is responsible for tracking and reporting on numerous bills affecting county government.

Research
Bill Drafting
Lobbying
Bill Tracking
Legislative Alerts
Legislative Wrap-up (Bill summary)

Communications...

The association serves as a hub for distributing information among membership as well as to affiliate & associate organizations. In addition to the communication services listed below the association also provides other member services such as mailing lists, labels, and survey information.

Commissioners' Corner (monthly newsletter)
County Commissioners' Handbook & Updates
Legislative Alerts, Updates and Summaries
Surveys
Press Releases
Web site: www.ccawv.org
E-Mail Address: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia Office & Support...

Vivian Parsons, the County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia's Executive Director, organizes, administrates, lobbies, and carries out the Association's mission. She is assisted by Jennifer Grover, the Association's Office Assistant. Together, they work with the West Virginia Association of Counties and its staff to represent the interests of county government in West Virginia.