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Boards & Authorities
Coweta County has a number of boards, authorities, and committees in place to provide recommendations or input on specific issues in Coweta County. These groups vary in size and purpose and are created by state law, local legislation, or County ordinance or resolution. County residents make up the membership of these boards, authorities, and committees.
The Board of Commissioners appoints one or more members to many of these groups. Membership terms vary depending on the particular board, authority, or committee. Commissioners usually make several appointments during the first business meeting of the year, but also make other appointments throughout the year to fill expired terms and/or vacancies as needed. Qualifications may be required in order to hold certain positions.
Resources:
This handbook is for persons interested in volunteering to serve on a board, authority or committee OR those recently appointed. You will find information on each function, qualifications for members, information for new appointees, roles and responsibilities and the policies governing each. Please thoroughly review if you are applying and/or a member.
- Appendix A to the handbook are the details on each of the respective boards, authorities and committees and can be found in the below links.
- Appendix B to the handbook: Meeting Rules Template.
If you are interested in serving on a Board or Authority, let us know by completing our online application.
The Newnan-Coweta County Airport Authority is tasked with working with airport management in the operation of the airport which includes policies of safety, personnel, budget, projects, etc. to ensure that the airport meets community needs, present and future. The Authority is to follow Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines as well as to seek federal and state funding for maintenance and improvements. The day-to-day operations at the airport are managed by the Airport Manager and staff.
Authorizing Legislation: Georgia laws 1965 (local legislation)
Staff Liaison: Airport Manager, 770.254.8102, 115 Airport Road, Newnan
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: http://cowetacoga.portal.civicclerk.com
Number and Method of Appointments: Five (5) appointments. Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 4 years
Compensation: None per enacting legislation, but for reimbursement of actual expenses in performance of duties.
Authorized legislation here
The Coweta County Animal Services Board is tasked with conducting hearings associated with a designation of “vicious” or “dangerous” dog by a Coweta County Animal Services Officer and whether such designation should be upheld or otherwise classified in accordance with the Coweta County Code of Ordinances.
Authorizing Legislation: Coweta County Code of Ordinances;
see also: OCGA § 4-8-23
Staff Liaison: Animal Services, 770.254.3735
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://www.coweta.ga.us/departments-services/departments-a-e/animal-services
Number and Method of Appointments:
Five (5) appointments
Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 4 years
Compensation: None authorized by enacting legislation
Authorized legislation here
The Coweta County Board of Elections and Registration is responsible for conducting fair and impartial elections and registering citizens to vote. Elections and registration are conducted in accordance with the Georgia Election code, State Election Board Rules, Federal and local laws.
Authorizing Legislation: Local legislation (2017 Ga. Laws (Act No. 69))
pursuant to O.C.G.A. §21-2-4(b)
Staff Liaison: Elections and Voter Registration Director, 770.254.2615
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://cowetacoga.portal.civicclerk.com/
Number and Method of Appointments:
Five (5) appointments
Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 4 years
Compensation: Coweta County Ordinance Article VIII. Board of Elections and Registration, Sec. 14 authorizes the County Board of Commissioners to fix the amount of compensation to be paid.
O.C.G.A. § 21-2-212 provides for the chief registrar to be compensated $61/day of service on the business of the registrars (or alternatively, $272/month), and the other registrars to be compensated in the amount of $48/day of service on the business of the registrars (or alternatively, $242/month).
Authorized legislation here
The County Boards of Health were created by Georgia Law in 1914. The law established a Board of Health in each county in the State and is the basis upon which the statewide public health department system was formed. The mission of the Division of Public Health is to promote and protect the health of people in Georgia wherever they live, work and play and to unite with individuals, families and communities to improve their health and enhance their quality of life.
Authorizing legislation: O.C.G.A. § 31-3-1
Contact: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://www.district4health.org/about-us/county-boards-of-health/
Number and Method of Appointments:
Board of Commissioners – three (3) appointments
By largest city in the county – one (1) appointment
Service by virtue of office – three (3)
Eligibility Requirements:
- One member must be the CEO of the county’s governing body or his/her designee
- One member must be a licensed physician actively practicing in the county (commission appt)
- One member must be a consumer or an advocate for consumers of health services (commission appt)
- One member must be a consumer who represents the needy, underprivileged or elderly (commission appt)
- One member must be the superintendent of schools or his/her designated employee of the school system
- One member must be CEO of the governing authority of the largest city in the county or another elected member of that authority
- One member must be a consumer or licensed nurse interested in promoting public health appointed by the governing authority of the largest city in the county
Length of Term: 6 years
Compensation: Not more than $25/day for attendance at meetings (provided funds available)
Authorized legislation here
The Board of Tax Assessors was established by Georgia law for each county. The board is responsible for determining taxability, value and equalization of all assessments within the county. The Board of Tax Assessors provides an annual Notice of Assessment to taxpayers, receives and reviews all appeals filed, and ensures that the appeal process proceeds properly. In addition, the Board approves all exemptions claimed by the taxpayer.
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. § 48-5-290
Staff Liaison: Chief Appraiser, 770.254.2680
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://cowetacoga.portal.civicclerk.com/
Number and Method of Appointments:
Five (5) appointments
Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility Requirements:
- At least 21 years of age
- High school diploma
- At least one year of appraisal related work
- Successfully complete assessor examination
- Successfully complete at least 40 hours of approved appraisal courses within 180 days of appointment and an additional 40 hours of training during each two calendar years (January 1 through December 31) or tenure.
Length of Term: 4 years
Compensation: O.C.G.A. § 48-5-294: Each member of the county board of tax assessors shall be paid as compensation for his/her services an amount to be determined from time to time by the county governing authority. The compensation to be paid to a member of the board shall not be less than $20.00 per day for the time he/she is actually discharging the duties required of him/her.
Authorized legislation here
Coweta County sponsors the Group Pension Plan (“the Plan”) for the Employees of Coweta County, Georgia, a defined retirement plan created under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Coweta County Board of Commissioners, as Employer of the Group Pension Plan, entered into a Trust Agreement (“Agreement”) with the Board of Trustees for the Group Pension Plan for Employees of Coweta County. The Trust fund holds the assets of the Plan. The members of the Board of Trustees are accountable for the assets received by the Plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement. The Board of Trustees manages the assets of the Trust fund, as would a prudent person under like circumstances who is familiar with such matters. The Board of Commissioners retains authority over plan design and funding.
Authorizing Legislation: Trust Agreement, December 15, 2022.
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://cowetacoga.portal.civicclerk.com/
Number and Method of Appointments:
Four (4) appointments
Service by virtue of office – one (1)
Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility Requirements:
- Two (2) members are to be county employees
- Two (2) members are to be citizens of the county
- One (1) member is to be the County Administrator
Length of Term: 3 years
Compensation: None authorized in Trust Agreement
Coweta County sponsors the Salary Deferral Plan for the Employees of Coweta County, Georgia, a defined retirement plan created under Section 457(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Employee Matching Plan of Coweta County, Georgia, a plan created under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Coweta County Board of Commissioners entered into a Master Trust agreement with the Board of Trustees for the Salary Deferral Plan and Matching Plan (“Master Trust Agreement”). The trust fund holds the assets of the Salary Deferral Plan and the Employee Matching Plan. The members of the Board of Trustees are accountable for the assets received by the Trust, subject to the terms and conditions of the Master Trust Agreement. The Board of Trustees selects the investment options available to participants as would a prudent person under like circumstances who is familiar with such matters. The Board of Commissioners retains authority over plan design and funding.
Authorizing Legislation: Master Trust Agreement, December 15, 2022
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://cowetacoga.portal.civicclerk.com/
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Four (4) appointments
- Service by virtue of office – one (1)
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility Requirements:
- Two (2) members are to be county employees
- Two (2) members are to be citizens of the county
- One (1) member is to be the County Administrator
Length of Term: 3 years
Compensation: None authorized in Master Trust Agreement
The Coweta County Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) was established by resolution of the Board of Commissioners in 1969. BOZA is tasked with considering appeals and various variances to the strict application of the Zoning and Development Ordinance. BOZA renders a decision on a case-by-case basis and makes a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners who make a final decision.
Authorizing Legislation: Coweta Code of Ordinances: Appendix A, Art. 28
Staff Liaison: Zoning Manager, 770.254.2635
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://cowetacoga.portal.civicclerk.com/
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Five (5) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility Requirements:
- District residency requirement
Length of Term: 3 years
Compensation: None authorized by enacting legislation.
Authorized legislation here
The Coweta County Development Authority works with local, regional, state and national partners to encourage and promote economic development activity in Coweta County, whether through the location of a new company or through the expansion of an existing facility.
Authorizing Legislation: Ga. L. 1966, p. 1101, continued by local Act, Ga. L. 1985, p. 4173.
Contact: President of Development Authority, 770.304.1777
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: choosecoweta.com
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Five (5) appointments
- (no member shall be a member of the governing authority of Coweta County)
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 5 years
Compensation: The members of the Authority shall receive only such compensation for their services to the Authority as shall be authorized by the governing authority of Coweta County but such compensation shall be paid from the funds of the Authority.
Based upon a recognized need for a joint development authority to function in Coweta County, Fayette County and Meriwether County, the Coweta-Fayette-Meriwether Joint Development Authority was created and activated. Said Authority is tasked with encouraging and promoting the expansion and development of industrial, agricultural, recreational and trade facilities in Coweta, Fayette and Meriwether counties to promote and provide employment opportunities within these counties.
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. § 36-62-5.1
Coweta Code of Ordinances Sec 50-57 – 50-59
Contact: President of Development Authority, 770.304.1777
choosecoweta.com
Meeting times: Quarterly
Number and Method of Appointments:
- One (1) appointment
- Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 4 years
Compensation: None pursuant to statute, but for reimbursement of actual expenses in
performance of duties. See O.C.G.A. § 36-62-5(c)
Authorized legislation here
The Department of Family and Children Services Board’s primary role is to protect the well-being of this state’s children while preserving family integrity. The Board serves as a link between the department and the community. The role of local County DFCS Boards is a combination of advocacy, resource development, political activism, staff relations, customer service, and administrative functions.
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. § 49-3-1 et seq
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times: Quarterly.
Contact: https://dfcs.georgia.gov/locations/coweta-county
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Six (6) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility Requirements:
All board appointments must be made from the following categories:
- Pediatric health care providers, active or retired;
- Appropriate school personnel, active or retired;
- Emergency responders, active or retired;
- Law enforcement personnel, active or retired;
- Private child welfare service providers, active or retired;
- Alumni of the child welfare system;
- Mental health care providers, active or retired;
- Former foster parents; and
- Leaders within the faith-based community, active or retired.
Length of Term: 5 years
Compensation: Members shall serve without compensation, except that they shall be paid
a per diem of not less than $15 per month and actual expenses incurred in performance of duties. Gross expenses not to exceed amount budgeted by county for expenses. O.C.G.A. §49-3-2(d)
The Development Authority of Coweta County works with local, regional, state and national partners to encourage and promote economic development activity in Coweta County, whether through the location of a new company or through the expansion of an existing facility.
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. § 36-62-1 et. seq.
Coweta Code of Ordinances, Sec 50-31
Contact: President of Development Authority, 770.304.1777
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: choosecoweta.com
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Seven (7) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 4 years
Compensation: None pursuant to statute, but reimbursement for actual expenses in performance of duties O.C.G.A. § 36-62-5(c)
Authorized legislation here
In 2019, Coweta County and the City of Newnan drafted local legislation that was adopted during the 2019 Regular Session by the General Assembly. This legislation authorized the imposition of an excise tax of up to 8% in the unincorporated area of the county and within the City of Newnan. In a joint effort to promote countywide tourism and marketing and comply with the spending regulations mandated for excise tax collections, Coweta County partnered with the City of Newnan regarding the creation of a 501(c)6 non-profit organization, Explore Newnan-Coweta, Inc. Explore Newnan-Coweta, Inc. serves as the primary entity for planning, conducting and participating in programs designed to attract or advertise tourism, events, conventions, or trade shows in the community. In addition to other private funding sources, Explore Newnan-Coweta receives the portion of the hotel/motel taxes collected that are use restricted for a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) from both the County and Newnan through a contract or memorandum of understanding.
Authorizing Legislation: Coweta Code of Ordinances, Sec. 70.3; pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 48-13-51(b).
Contact: President and CEO of ENCI, 770.240.1015
explorenewnancoweta.com
Number and Method of Appointments:
- One (1) appointment
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 3 years
Compensation: None pursuant to bylaws.
Authorized legislation here
The Georgia EMS Regional Council, Region 4, is a professional services council made up of representatives from a 12 county district (Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Henry, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson). The Council manages the EMS zoning system and regional communications plan.
Authorizing Legislation: Georgia DPH Rule 511-9-2-.04 and O.C.G.A. § 31-11-3
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://dph.georgia.gov/EMS/public-notices-regional-and-statewide-meetings/georgia-regional-and-statewide-ems-meetings
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Four (4) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 3 years
Eligibility Requirements: See DPH Rule 511-9-2-.04
Compensation: None, per DPH Rule.
Authored legislation here
The Coweta County Library System Board of Trustees was re-established by resolution of the Board of Commissioners in 2006. The Library Board is advisory in nature and tasked with enhancing library programs and related services.
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. § 20-5-40
Staff Liaison: Library System Director, 770.683.2052
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://www.coweta.ga.us/departments-services/departments-f-q/library-system
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Seven (7) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 3 years
Compensation: None pursuant to statute, but for reimbursement of actual expenses in performance of duties O.C.G.A. § 20-5-44
Authorized legislation here
The Pathways Community Service Board (dba Pathways Center for Behavioral and Developmental Growth) is a statutory community service board created and existing under Georgia law. Pathways Center provides mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive disease services in the west central Georgia region to include the following counties – Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson. The Community Service Board promotes public awareness of mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases/disorders and to help the public better understand consumers and their needs and services. Board members stay informed about local needs and issues, and serve as advocates with public officials.
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. § 37-2-6
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/locations/pathways-csb
Pathways CSB contact: Jade Benefield, jade.benefield@pathwayscsb.org
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Three (3) At Large appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 3 years
Compensation: None per enacting legislation.
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. § 37-2-6
The Coweta County Public Facilities Authority was created for the purpose of promoting the public good and general welfare of the citizens of the County, financing and providing facilities, equipment, and services within the County, for sale to, lease or sublease to, ownership, or operation by the County as otherwise authorized by law. In connection with the exercise of any of its powers, the members of the Authority may make findings or determinations that the exercise of its powers as proposed will promote the public good and general welfare and will assist public bodies in providing facilities, equipment, and services within the County.
Authorizing Legislation: Local legislation: 2021 Ga. HB 753
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://cowetacoga.portal.civicclerk.com/
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Five (5) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility requirements:
- 21 years of age or older
- Resident of Coweta County for minimum of two years prior to appointment
- Shall not have been a convicted felon
Length of Term: 3 years
Compensation: None per enacting legislation, but for reimbursement of actual expenses in performance of duties.
Authorized legislation here
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Regional Advisory Councils were established by Georgia law. Coweta County is a member of the Region VI Advisory Council which represents 31 counties. Members are appointed by their County Commissioners; they are business and civic leaders with a strong interest in mental health, developmental disabilities and addictive diseases. The role of the Advisory Council is to promote public awareness of mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases/disorders and to help the public better understand consumers and their needs and services. Council members stay informed about local needs and issues, and serve as advocates with public officials. The main objective of the Council is to assist the department in fulfilling its vision of “easy access to high-quality care that leads to a life of recovery and independence for the people we serve.”
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. §37-2-5
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times: Bi-monthly / attendance is virtual
Region 6 Field Office / Community Based Services
DBHDD Contact: Amy Vazquez / Ann Riley
Region 6 Field Office
3000 Schaltulga Road, Building 4
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 565-7835
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Three (3) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 3 years
Compensation: Reimbursement for actual expenses incurred may be submitted to
DBHDD for approval. Reimbursement at rates and allowances set for state employees by the Office of Planning and Budget.
Authorized legislation here
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Authorities were created for each county and municipal corporation by State law. The Board of Commissioners established the Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Authority of Coweta County by resolution in 1996. The role of the Authority is to consider requests from non-profit housing organizations to utilize tax-exempt revenue bonds to finance housing projects.
Authorizing Legislation: O.C.G.A. § 31-7-113
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times: Called meetings as needed.
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Seven (7) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility Requirements:
- District appointments must reside in associated district.
Length of Term: 6 years
Compensation: None per enacting legislation, but for reimbursement of actual expenses in performance of duties.
Authorized legislation here
Three Rivers Regional Commission is a regional planning organization created and managed under Georgia law by its member local governments. As a quasi-governmental agency, TRRC essentially develops, promotes, and provides comprehensive planning and development services and technical assistance that seek to make the local communities in its region better places to live and work. The TRRC consists of 10 counties (Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup and Upson).
Authorizing Legislation: Georgia Planning Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-8-32
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
https://trrc-ga.com/
Number and Method of Appointment: See O.C.G.A. § 50-8-34(b)
Length of Term:
- Commissioner Term: term of current Chairman
- Non-public representative Term: 1 year
Authorized legislation here
The Coweta County Transit Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was created by the Board of Commissioners of Coweta County to solicit feedback from the various user groups of Coweta County Transit regarding community needs for transit, as well as the operational effectiveness of the program.
Authorizing Legislation: BOC Resolution, December 14, 2021
See also, July 20, 2022 Bylaws.
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://www.coweta.ga.us/about-coweta/coweta-events
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Nine (9) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility Requirements:
- One (1) member to be from the Housing Authority of Newnan
- One (1) member to be from continuing education
- One (1) member to be from senior services
- One (1) member to be from mental and behavioral health services
- One (1) member to be from health care services
- One (1) member to be from industry
- One (1) member to be from a nonprofit
- One (1) member to be from a municipality
- One (1) member to be a Transit program user.
Length of Term: 2 years
Compensation: None authorized by enacting resolution or bylaws.
The Coweta County Transit Technical Coordinating Committee (TTCC) is an advisory committee to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) for the purpose of providing fair and balanced feedback and guidance to the BOC to help ensure that Coweta County Transit operates as effectively as possible and in the best interests of the citizens and users.
Authorizing Legislation: BOC Resolution, December 14, 2021
See also, May 17, 2022 Bylaws.
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://www.coweta.ga.us/about-coweta/coweta-events
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Five (5) appointments (voting members)
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Two (2) non-voting advisors
- One (1) from Three Rivers Regional Commission (TRRC)
- One (1) from the transit division of the Georgia Dept of Transportation (GDOT)
Eligibility Requirements:
- One (1) who is on the Board of Commissioners (will serve as Chairman of the TTCC)
- Three (3) from County staff
- One (1) from the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)
Length of Term: 2 years
Compensation: None authorized by enacting Resolution or bylaws.
The Coweta County Water and Sewerage Authority was established by local legislation in 1979. The purpose of the W&SA is to manage and maintain the water and sewerage system of Coweta County and they are empowered to do all things necessary to accomplish this purpose.
Authorizing Legislation:
- Local legislation (2001 Ga. HB 756)
- Local legislation (1979 Ga. Laws, page 4447) found within Article IV of the Coweta Code of Ordinances
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times, dates, agendas and minutes, see: https://www.cowetawater.com/board-meetings/
Number and Method of Appointment:
- Five (5) Appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age
- Coweta resident for at least two years prior to appointment
- May not be a convicted felon
- May not hold any elective public office of the state, county, municipality within the state, be employee of the state, county or municipality the state, or be an employee of a utility system not operated by the authority or Coweta County.
Length of Term: 4 years
Compensation: Section 2 – CCWS Authority, subsection (c): may adopt resolution to address compensation – otherwise may be reimbursed for actual expenses per enacting legislation. Section 4 – Powers, subsection 5: “To appoint, select, and employ officers, agents… and fix their respective compensations.”
The Western Area Regional Radio System was established by local legislation in 2010. WARRS consists of 4 local governments (Coweta, Carroll, City of Douglasville and Haralson). WARRS is tasked with establishing and promoting interoperable public safety communications within the region.
Authorizing Legislation: Local legislation (2009 Ga. HB 1225)
(see also: Local legislation (2003 Ga. HB 1715))
Staff Liaison: County Clerk, 770.254.2601
Meeting times: Meetings are quarterly. Board members notified when meeting scheduled.
Number and Method of Appointments:
- Two (2) appointments
- Appointed by the Board of Commissioners
Length of Term: 4 years
Compensation: The authority may provide by resolution for compensation for their services, however members should be reimbursed for actual expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties.