Warren County commissioners with a desire to cut the size of the County Commission can do so with redistricting in 2022.

County Commissioner Deborah Evans suggested a reduction as a cost-saving measure during a prior meeting of the county Budget and Finance Committee.

“It’s something worth looking into,” said Evans. “We’re making cuts to the budgets and considering an increase in revenue with a property tax and a wheel tax. Why not consider this as a cost-saving measure? That doesn’t mean it will go anywhere, but maybe we should consider the pros and cons associated with reducing the size of the commission.” 

Commissioners are paid $260 a month. With 24 members on the commission, the annual cost to taxpayers is $74,880. 

According to County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS), commissioners must approve a resolution to do so.

“Warren County should not have a charter concerning reapportionment,” said Ben Rodgers, County Government Consultant CTAS. “There are two options to reduce the membership of the County Commission: 1) In 2021, the Reapportionment Committee can prepare the reapportionment plan, which will include reducing the membership of the County Commission, and submit to the County Commission for approval; 2) Prior to 2021, the County Commission can pass a resolution to decrease the number of commissioners effective 2022.”

Warren County currently has two commissioners for each of its 12 districts.