The Chief Administrative Officer is appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent (County Charter, secs. 210, 211).
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
The Department oversees the Office of Procurement, and four divisions: Building Design and Construction; Facilities Management; Fleet Management Services; and Real Estate and Management Services (Code of County Regulations, secs. 11B.00.01/03, 11B.45.01/02, 11B.65.01). The Department also is aided by the Interagency Coordinating Board for Community Use of Public Facilities.
DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
The County Cable Office, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are overseen by the Department.
OFFICE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
In September 2001, the Office opened the Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity in Wheaton. Relocating to the Mid-County Regional Service Center in Wheaton in 2011, the Center expanded its services to include programs at the Wheaton Library, and the Upcounty Regional Service Center in Germantown. With civic and nonprofit organizations, the Office presents educational programs at the Gilchrist Center and its outreach sites. Courses cover citizenship, civics, computers, cultural understanding, English, English as a second language, and French and Spanish. The Center also provides a pro bono legal clinic at the Center.
OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION
The Office investigates complaints of unfair or deceptive business practices, and works in cooperation with federal, State and County agencies to pursue legal action against contractors and companies found in violation of consumer protection laws. Offering consumer education and outreach, the Office publishes annual reports on consumer guidelines and concerns, as well as legal actions taken (County Code, secs. 11-1 through 11-11; Code of County Regulations, secs. 11.04A.01.01 through 11.04A.01.06).
Under the Office are the Advisory Committee on Consumer Protection; the Cable Compliance Commission; and the Commission on Common Ownership Communities.
Fifteen members constitute the Commission. They are appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent to three-year terms (County Code, sec. 10B-3).
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The Office is assisted by the Commission on Hate/Violence, and the Commission on Human Rights.
OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE COORDINATING COMMISSION
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission coordinates criminal justice policies among criminal justice and law enforcement agencies in the County. The Commission provides analysis and information to support these agencies and evaluates the adequacy and organization of law enforcement and the administration of justice in the County (County Code, sec. 2-60).
The Department of Finance is the custodian of all County funds, securities, and insurance policies; and collects County taxes, special assessments, license fees, and other revenue. The Department manages indebtedness; invests and disburses County funds; and prepares an annual financial report containing a detailed account of all monies received and paid out by the County (County Charter, sec. 214; County Code, secs. 20-1 through 20-81).
For all County property and purchasing, the Department of General Services is responsible. For the County, the Department designs, builds, and maintains buildings; manages vehicles; repairs property and vehicles, and purchases new properties and equipment, as needed.
The Department of Technology Services manages the County's information and communication systems. The Department also maintains the County’s 311 call center, which allows residents to access County government information and services over the phone. In addition, the Department designs and maintains MyMontgomery, a website showing public and commercial services within the County (Code of County Regulations, secs. 02.58E.01/02, 08A.02.01, 08A.08.01, 08A.29.01).
Promoting the civic advancement of ethnic communities in the County, the Office of Community Partnerships provides outreach to local nonprofit organizations and religious institutions to provide access to government and opportunities for civic service.
Established in 1971, the Office of Consumer Protection reported directly to the County Executive. In 1996, the Office transferred to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs as the Division of Consumer Protection. In 2006, the Division moved back under the County Executive as the Office of Consumer Protection.
COMMISSION ON COMMON OWNERSHIP COMMUNITIES
Established in January 1991, the Commission on Common Ownership Communities advises the County Executive and County Council on issues related to condominiums, cooperatives, and homeowner associations. The Commission also offers complaint mediation on matters of association budgets, common areas, elections, fines, fees, funds, and meetings, as well as requiring or prohibiting actions by members. Should mediation fail, the Commission hears and rules on the complaint. Rulings of the Commission may be appealed to the Circuit Court.
The Office of Human Resources supervises the County merit system in accordance with the County Charter, and federal, State and local laws, and rules and regulations. The Office assists all appointing authorities in implementing the merit system Charter provisions and the personnel regulations of the County Executive. The Office also helps the County Executive develop and administer a career service and a comprehensive management personnel program; and provides cooperative personnel services to County municipalities; the County Revenue Authority; and agencies supported (in whole or in part) by taxes levied by the County Council (County Code, sec. 2-64I).
Investigating complaints of discrimination and incidents of hate or violence, the Office of Human Rights administers the County’s Partnership Fund for Victims of Hate Violence. Created in 1987, the Fund assists communities and victims of hate crimes by funding community education, and monitoring, law enforcement and victim assistance (County Code, sec. 27-4).
The Office of Intergovernmental Relations responds to the County's interest in legislation and budget issues being prepared or undertaken by the State government; monitors the State legislature; and communicates with the County's legislative delegation, and State departments, agencies, commissions, and committees. On legislative, regulatory or other policy issues, the Office also works with nearby counties or states, municipalities within the County, regional agencies, the District of Columbia, and the federal government.
The Office of Management and Budget prepares and administers the annual operating budget, the annual capital budget, the six-year capital improvements program, and the six-year public services program. The Office plans for County facilities; evaluates programs; and coordinates work to improve productivity through management, organization, and systems analyses and projects (County Code, sec. 2-64K).
The Office of Public Information serves as a focal point for communications with citizens and community organizations; establishes and maintains a public information program; and provides professional editing and design support and coordination for Countywide publications and to County departments and agencies. An information and referral program also is maintained by the Office (County Code, sec. 2-64H).
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