Frequently Asked Questions
What is this proposal?
This is a citizen-led effort to expand the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners from 3 members to 5. The goal is simple: to improve representation, strengthen accountability, and ensure our growing county has a governance structure that reflects its size and needs.
Why expand from 3 to 5 commissioners?
Douglas County has grown significantly, but our governing structure has not kept pace. With only three commissioners: ● Each represents a very large population ● Fewer perspectives are included in decisions ● It can be harder for local concerns to be heard Adding two more commissioners allows for: ● Broader representation ● More balanced decision-making ● Stronger connection between residents and their elected officials
How are commissioners selected now vs. under this proposal?
Currently, commissioners are elected at-large to represent the entire county. With expansion, the county can move toward stronger district-based representation, meaning: ● Commissioners are more closely tied to specific geographic areas ● Residents have a clearer, more direct voice in county leadership ● Local priorities are better reflected in decisions
Will this create more government or bureaucracy?
Not significantly. This proposal adds two elected officials, not a large new layer of government. In fact: ● More commissioners can improve oversight ● Decisions can benefit from broader input ● Responsibility is shared rather than concentrated The goal is not more government — it’s better representation.
Is this about politics or party control?
No. This effort is not about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about: ● Fair representation ● Balanced decision-making ● Ensuring every part of the county has a voice Stronger governance benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
Do other counties use five commissioners?
Yes. Many counties with populations similar to or larger than Douglas County use a five-commissioner model. This structure is widely used because it: ● Distributes representation more evenly ● Encourages more thoughtful decision-making ● Reflects growing and diverse communities
How will this affect me as a resident?
It’s about making local government more responsive and accessible. If adopted, this change would: ● Give you a more direct connection to your local commissioner ● Improve access to representation ● Ensure your community has a clearer voice in county decisions
What happens after I sign the petition?
Signing the petition helps place this question on the ballot. If enough valid signatures are collected: ● The measure will go to voters ● Residents of Douglas County will decide the outcome Your signature does not decide the issue — it simply ensures the community gets to vote.
Who is behind this effort?
No special interests — just neighbors working together. This is a community-led initiative made up of residents from across Douglas County who believe in: ●Transparency ● Accountability ● Fair representation
How can I help beyond signing?
You can: ● Volunteer to help gather signatures ● Host or attend a signing event ● Share information with friends and neighbors Every conversation helps build awareness. 👉 Volunteer 👉 Find Events
Where can I sign?
You can sign: ● At local events across the county ● Through a volunteer circulator 👉 View Upcoming Signing Locations
How will commissioners be elected under this proposal?
If the measure reaches the ballot, voters will decide not just whether to expand to five commissioners—but also how those commissioners are elected. Voters will be asked to choose between two options: Option 1: Five District-Based Commissioners ● All five commissioners represent specific geographic districts ● Each area of the county has a clearly defined representative Option 2: Three District + Two At-Large Commissioners ● Three commissioners represent districts ● Two commissioners are elected at-large to represent the entire county This ensures voters can choose the structure that best reflects their preferences for representation.
Is one option better than the other?
Both options have strengths. Five Districts: ● Stronger local representation ● Clear geographic accountability 3 District + 2 At-Large: ● Maintains countywide perspective ● Balances local and broader interests Rather than deciding for voters, this approach lets the community choose what it values most.
Why include two options instead of just one?
Because representation matters—and there’s more than one reasonable approach. Providing options: ● Gives voters flexibility ● Allows for a balance between local and countywide perspectives ● Keeps the decision in the hands of the community This is about letting residents decide what works best.
How much will this cost?
Adding two commissioners will increase costs, primarily for salary and benefits. ● Commissioner salaries are set by the state legislature, not by the commissioners themselves ● The estimated total cost for two additional commissioners (including benefits) is approximately $500,000 annually To put that in perspective: ● That’s roughly ½ of 1% of the county budget ● A very small share of overall county spending Additional costs may include limited administrative support, but the overall impact remains modest in the context of the county’s budget. Many counties of similar size already operate with five commissioners. Expanding representation can strengthen oversight, improve decision-making, and enhance accountability. This is a targeted investment in effective, responsive governance.
⚖️ TOUGH QUESTIONS ⚖️
Will voters really get to choose how commissioners are elected?
Yes. This proposal is designed to give voters a direct say in how representation works. If the measure qualifies for the ballot: ● Voters will decide whether to expand to five commissioners ● Voters will also choose between the two representation models Nothing changes unless voters approve it.
Is this about shifting power?
No. This is about how representation is structured, not who holds power. ● Voters will still elect commissioners ● Elections remain open and competitive ● The community decides both the structure and the people This proposal expands participation—it doesn’t predetermine outcomes.
Will this raise my taxes?
No. This proposal does not include any tax increase. Any future tax decisions would still require: ● A vote of commissioners and/or ● Approval from voters
Is $500,000 really worth it?
For about ½ of 1% of the county budget, this change would: ● Expand representation ● Improve oversight ● Strengthen accountability ● Give voters more choice in how they are represented It’s a relatively small investment in how major decisions are made.
Why not keep the current system?
The current system was built for a smaller county. As Douglas County has grown: ● Representation has become more stretched ● Communities have become more diverse ● Decisions have become more complex This proposal allows the structure to evolve alongside the county.