Definition:
▪ Elected county officers other than county commissioners
▪ The structure of county row offices varies with the class (population size) of the county
▪ In some classes of counties, two row offices are combined, such as register of wills and recorder of deeds
▪ Operate independently of commissioners
▪ Commissioners govern row officer’s budgets, salaries, personnel administration and physical facilities
Office Titles:
Controller:
Manages and administers the fiscal affairs of the county; only in 2nd through 5th class counties.
Auditors:
Review the financial administration of the county; only in 6th through 8th class counties.
Treasurer:
Receives and disburses county revenues.
District Attorney:
Conducts criminal prosecution. Salary paid in part by state.
Sheriff:
Officer of the court, serves judicial writs and other documents, may provide courthouse security and/or oversee jail management.
Prothonotary:
Clerk of the court of common pleas (civil court).
Clerk of Courts:
Clerk of the criminal courts.
Register of Wills:
Jurisdiction over wills and estates.
Recorder of Deeds:
Custodian of county records including property deeds and development plans.
Coroner:
Investigates deaths of a suspicious or violent nature, issues certificate of death when the death occurs without medical attention.
Jury Commissioners (2):
Manage the process of empaneling juries, counties may abolish the positions.
Length of Term:
▪ 4 Years
How Elected:
▪ At large: by all the registered voters in the county
Qualifications:
▪ Registered voter
▪ 18 years or older
▪ Resident of the county for one year prior to the election
▪ Other qualifications apply for some row offices such as district attorney
Compensation and Employment:
▪ Compensation set by the county commissioners sitting as a salary board
▪ Commissioners cannot change salary schedule during their own term
▪ Commissioners cannot set salary during an election year
