Glossary of Terms

Home Rule Charter – A local “constitution” that lets county voters design their own government structure under state law.

Article XI, Section 4 – The part of Washington’s Constitution that allows counties to adopt a home rule charter.

RCW Title 36 – The section of state law describing how counties in Washington operate.

Board of County Commissioners – The current three-member governing body that makes and enforces county laws.

Legislative Authority – The power to make laws and set county policy.

Executive Authority – The power to carry out and enforce those laws.

Separation of Powers – Dividing law-making and law-enforcing duties so one group doesn’t control both.

Checks and Balances – Systems that let different parts of government limit each other’s power.

County Council – A larger elected body that could replace the three-commissioner system under a charter.

County Executive – A single elected leader, like a mayor, who manages daily county operations.

Freeholders – Elected citizens who write (draft) a proposed county charter.

Charter Commission – The group of freeholders once they begin drafting the charter.

Resolution – A formal decision or statement passed by the county commissioners.

Ordinance – A county law adopted by the governing body.

Initiative – A process that allows voters to propose new laws.

Referendum – A public vote to approve or reject a law already passed.

Recall – A vote to remove an elected official before the end of their term.

Petition – A document signed by voters to place a question or candidate on the ballot.

County Auditor – The official who oversees elections and certifies petitions and results.

General Election – The regular election held in November to choose public officials or decide ballot measures.

Administrative Flexibility – The ability to reorganize departments and offices for efficiency under a charter.

Accountability – Making officials answerable for their actions and decisions.

Transparency – Open access to government information and decision-making.

Efficiency – Delivering public services effectively without waste.

Ethics Board – An independent body that reviews complaints about official conduct.

Ombuds Office – A neutral office that helps citizens resolve complaints about county government.

Transition Costs – Short-term expenses for changing to a new form of government.

Implementation – Putting a new charter and government structure into action after voter approval.