Supporters also say the bill would make the BOC more representative by the addition of two more members and by mandating the creation of four districts. But opinions vary on how representatives of those districts should be elected. Some believe that since the county government is broad and sets tax rates, every member should answer to all voters, hence Option One. But others believe that people running in a district should be voted on only by those living in the district and point to the county board of education and other government bodies that work on the same principal as outlined in Option Two. The only organized effort on the bill has come from the Jackson County Republican Party, which has endorsed the change in government and the Option Two proposal.
All board members are part-time.
District members must be 21 years old, the chairman 25 years old. All must have lived in Jackson County 12 months. A vice chairman is elected by the board to serve when the chairman is absent. The person hired must have a degree in public administration or five years experience as a city or county manager. The manager's salary is set by the BOC and he serves at the pleasure of the board.