The following bylaws have been adopted:
- The Public Campaign Financing System Commission is established by section 1-12-110 of the Anne Arundel County Code. The duty of the Public Campaign Financing System Commission is to estimate the funds necessary to implement the public campaign financing system and provide a recommendation to the County Council and County Executive for an appropriation to the Public Campaign Financing Fund for the following fiscal year.
- The Commission shall consist of nine members - one member from each councilmanic district appointed by the County Council, and two members appointed by the County Executive.
- Each member shall be a resident of the County while serving on the Commission. No more than five members shall be of the same political party.
- Each member shall serve a four-year term. A member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed.
- A vacancy occurring before the end of a term shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment for the remainder of a term.
- A member may resign by submitting a written resignation to the County Executive. Failure to attend three consecutive meetings without reasonable cause or excuse or proper notice may result in removal from the Commission.
- The Commission shall designate a Chair and Vice-Chair. The Commission shall vote on these appointments annually at its regularly scheduled meeting in the month of June. The Chair and Vice-Chair shall serve one year terms, and may be reelected to their role upon completion of a term. The Chair, or in the Chair’s absence, the Vice-Chair, shall preside at and conduct all meetings of the Commission. The Chair shall serve as the representative of the Commission in meetings and discussions with other organizations including County Departments, the State Board of Elections, and other county public campaign financing commissions; ensure the Commission’s compliance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act; serve as the Commission’s liaison with County staff, and perform all duties otherwise required by the County Code.
- The Commission should meet at least once every 90 days during the 12 months preceding an election where candidates may qualify to use the Public Campaign Financing System; and at least twice a year otherwise.
- Unless otherwise provided by law, a quorum of the Commission is required for the Commission to conduct a meeting. A quorum of the Commission shall consist of a simple majority (5 members). The vote of the majority present shall be necessary for a decision of the Commission.
- All votes of order of the Commission shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revised.
- The Commission shall comply with all requirements of the Maryland Open Meetings Act, and at least one member shall be designated to receive and complete training on the requirements of the Open Meetings Act.
- The Commission may create committees, and the Chair may appoint members to chair and serve on those committees.
- The Commission shall issue a report to the County Council and the County Executive no later than 180 days prior to the end of each fiscal year or by December 31st of each calendar year. The report shall estimate the funds necessary to implement the public campaign finance system and recommend an appropriation to the Public Campaign Financing Fund for the following fiscal year.
- The Commission will annually request and review information from the Budget Officer regarding economic trends, the Public Campaign Financing Fund balance, and the county’s fiscal plans in relation to the Public Campaign Financing System to assist the Commission in making their recommendation.
- The County Executive shall provide staff support for the Commission. County Executive staff support will serve as a liaison between the Commission and the State Board of Elections as needed to provide information about the Public Campaign Financing System to the Commission, public, and candidates.
- Provisions of these bylaws that are not controlled by state or county law, state or county regulation, or County Executive Order may be amended by a simple majority vote of the members present and entitled to vote at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Any proposed amendment must be submitted to the members in writing at least ten business days prior to the meeting where the proposed amendment will be discussed.
