General Information

Monroe County was created by the State Legislature on January 14, 1818. The present Courthouse was dedicated on July 4, 1908. The Courthouse is located in the center of downtown Bloomington which is the county seat. This historic structure is surrounded by an Award Winning Garden, immense native trees, and numerous dedicated monuments in a park-like setting.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners have a wide range of executive and administrative authority. Among the most important powers are those related to:

• Auditing and authorizing claims against the county.
• Receiving bids and authorizing contracts.
• Controlling, maintaining, and supervising County property including the Courthouse; the Justice Building, which houses the Courts, the elected officials associated with those courts, and the jail; the Health Services Building; the Highway Garage Facility, the Karst Farm Park, the Flatwoods Park; the Jackson Creek Park; and the Youth Services Bureau.
• Supervising construction and maintenance of County roads and bridges.
• Exercising appointive powers including both the selection of members to fill positions on boards, commissions, committees, and the appointment of certain department heads.
• Planning and implementing strategies for solid waste handling as members of the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District.

There are several County Departments that are directly under the authority of the Monroe County Commissioners. These departments are: The Building Department, The Monroe County Community Prevention Coalition, The Monroe County Highway Department; The Monroe County Technical Services Department, The Extension Services, The Legal Department, The Veterans' Affairs Department, The Department of Weights and Measures, and The Youth Services Bureau.

The following departments are directed by boards or commissions whose members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners:  The Monroe County Airport, The Monroe County Emergency Management Department, The Health Department, The Parks and Recreation Department, and The Planning Department.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners meets bi-weekly to approve payroll and claims, receive reports, sign resolutions and to receive legislation. The public meeting is held in the Courthouse, Room 315 at 9 a.m.