Statewide Association of County Row Officers

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Delaware’s counties are served by various countywide elected officials historically referred to as “Row Officers.” These offices trace their roots to Delaware’s colonial history, and are referred to as “row offices” because they were physically situated “in a row” in the county seat. There are currently four row offices in each of Delaware’s three counties (Kent; New Castle; Sussex): Clerk of the Peace; Recorder of Deeds; Register of Wills; and Sheriff; and a Comptroller in Kent County. Row offices fulfill vital functions, and have evolved over time to meet the needs of each county. Historically, each Row Officer has operated independently of their counterparts across the state. In June 2011, the Delaware Association of County Row Officers (DACRO) was established as a “not-for-profit 501(c)(4)” to provide a networking forum and single contact point for Delaware’s Row Officers. Shortly thereafter, each county passed resolutions recognizing DACRO as a legitimate representative body. DACRO has since met multiple times and continually communicates on issues of importance to row offices, setting policy and standards, coordinating efforts, and improving services. By working together, each Row Officer has provided improved service. DACRO is an association that can easily be replicated by other counties throughout the nation.