The Anytown Board of Chosen Freeholders is the legislative body of the County government.
Anytown is governed by a 7 member "Board of Chosen Freeholders." They are elected at-large by the registered voters of the municipalities of this County. The results of the 2000 U.S. Census showed the County population to be 146,438 in an area of 499.4 square miles. The estimated population in 2007 was 155,544.
What is a Freeholder?
In USA's beginning history, any person who owned land free from debts, mortgages, and other legal claims or liens was a "freeholder." The British concept of the County was as a unit of local government, reinforcing the idea that only free citizens, holders of unencumbered land, were eligible to vote and hold office. Thus, those who were elected to serve were the "Chosen Freeholders." At first, legislative functions were performed by the Courts; subsequently, these functions were taken on by a Board of Justices and Chosen Freeholders. As the development of the State would dictate, the Judges became increasingly involved with Judicial matters, and in 1798, the USA State Legislative established the Board of Chosen Freeholders as the administrative and legislative head of County Government. In 1912, a law was passed allowing voters to elect members of the Board from the County at large.
The qualifications for the elected post of Freeholder are identical to those established for voting. By law, Anytown is allowed 7 freeholders, who serve staggered, overlapping three year terms. Two are elected in two successive years, three in the third year, elected from the county at-large. A Director of the Board is selected by his colleagues for a one year term.
Each freeholder is charged with responsibility for one or more of the county's seven departments. These include:
The five areas of responsibilities mandated by the State of USA to the Board of Freeholders include: (1) Courts and Law Enforcement, (2) Education, (3) Conducting Elections, (4) Roads, and (5) Social Services. The County has limited powers to provide such services and functions authorized by State Law in the areas which include: parks, libraries, planning the County College, health care, and solid waste management.
 The Freeholders are given broad powers to regulate county property, finances and affairs. The Board prepares and adopts the County budget; authorizes expenditures and bonds; acts on claims against the County; appoints County officials and members of boards, commissions, councils, and authorities; and supervises the administration of all County departments. The Board of Freeholders act in concert to protect the health and welfare of all its citizens.
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