Kanawha County

In the early days of Kanawha County, the Commission was composed of all justices of the peace within the county, but in 1872, the West Virginia constitution was adopted, and the Judiciary Amendment of 1880 provided for the present three-member commission. Today, the County Commission still consists of three officials, each elected to a six-year term.

The Commission reviews and approves the budget of the elected officials of the county – the Circuit Clerk, County Clerk, Sheriff, Assessor, and Prosecutor – however, each elected official manages its own work, staff and budget. The Commission provides funding for (but does not manage) outside agencies, including the Humane Association, Kanawha County Parks and Recreation, the Yeager Airport, and others.

The primary function of the County Commission is budget development and management, overseeing purchasing for the county, management of county assets, and management of technology resources – overseeing the governing, management and protection of Kanawha County and its citizens.

Kanawha County Commissioners:
W. Kent Carper, President
Dave Hardy
Henry “Hoppy” Shores