County Commissioner

Compensation & Benefits

Part-time elected position. Compensation is set by the Board of Commissioners itself. In rural Michigan counties, annual salaries typically range from $8,000 to $18,000, sometimes with additional meeting per-diems.

Confirm current Clare County Commissioner compensation figures with the County Administrator or Clerk.

Minimum Qualifications / Legal Requirements

• Must be a registered and qualified elector of the specific commissioner district and of Clare County.
• No specific educational or professional license required by statute.
• Constitutional oath of office required.

Key Statutory Duties & Responsibilities

• Serves as a voting member of the county's legislative and policy-making governing board.
• Develops, reviews, and adopts the annual county budget; audits claims and monitors county expenditures.
• Sets compensation for county elected officials, appointed department heads, and county personnel.
• Adopts equalization of tax assessments across Clare County.
• Appoints members to numerous county boards and commissions (Planning Commission, Board of Canvassers, etc.).
• Enacts county ordinances, reviews grants, approves contracts, and provides constituent services.

Term & Election Cycle Notes

Four (4) year term. Current terms expire December 31, 2028. Next general election: November 2028.

How to Get on the Ballot

File an Affidavit of Identity plus nominating petitions or $100 filing fee with the Clare County Clerk. Deadline is 4:00 p.m. on the 15th Tuesday before the August primary (mid-to-late April 2028). Must be a registered elector of your specific commissioner district.

Additional Notes

Clare County Commissioners are elected from single-member districts. The role is part-time, allowing commissioners to maintain outside careers and responsibilities.

Interested in Serving Clare County?

Before filing, talk to the Clare County Republican Party. We help conservative candidates understand the office, legal filing requirements, and campaign calendar.

Disclaimer: Informational summary of elected offices under Michigan law. Prepared for public education and candidate recruitment purposes. Confirm salaries, benefits, signature counts, and filing deadlines with the Clare County Clerk (or Township Clerk / Bureau of Elections as applicable).