Commissioners Seeking Applications for Citizen Boards, Councils

If you've ever wanted to serve on a county board or council, now's your chance.

A number of openings are available for registered voters who want their input heard in Hillsborough County, said Luann Finley, director of board services.

"It lets the commissioners know that the public is thinking," she said. "And they do listen."

Here's more on how to apply in a Hillsborough County media release:

These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board, but may only serve on one board at a time.

The deadline for applying is January 26, 2012. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in February or March, 2012.

An application is available in the Commissioners’ reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa; by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at 813-272-5826; or on the County’s website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the “County Commission” link on the left-hand side of the page, then the “Advisory Boards and Committees” sublink. The "Application Questionnaire For County Appointments" is in the middle of the page. The form can be filled out, and then scanned and emailed, faxed, hand-delivered or mailed.

If you apply to a Board that requires a background check, you must also submit a Background Investigation Disclosure and Authorization Form, which also is available on the website. Forms must be signed and dated. Additional directions for submission are listed on the form.

The Boards and Councils that have openings are:

• AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD
• ANTI-BULLYING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
• BUILDING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS
• CENTRAL PARK COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
• CHILD CARE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD
• CHILD CARE LICENSING HEARING OFFICER
• FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD
• HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.
• HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD
• HOSPITAL AUTHORITY
• HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY
• MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS
• PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE

For more information, contact Finley at 813-272-5826.