When Merrimack County Commissioner J.D. Colcord ran for a seat in the Legislature 10 years ago, it was under the banner of eliminating all forms of county government. His philosophy has changed a bit since.

"Now I think we should eliminate state government!" the county commission's outgoing chairman said yesterday. "What the county does - it's got to be done on some level, by somebody. That's what people don't understand."

After nearly six years heading up the body that oversees the county's 27 cities and towns, Colcord has decided to resign in July. The 73-year-old Warner resident said there are no hard feelings; he simply didn't plan to fill the role as long as he has and would like to explore other pursuits.

"I'm doing this for personal reasons. I've spent the last 23 years in public office and I think it's time for some fun and relaxation," said Colcord, who spent 13 years as a Warner selectman before his time in the House. "I have a little woodworking shop that I've been dying to get into."

The Merrimack County Delegation is looking for a volunteer to finish Colcord's term until the next round of elections in 2010. Colcord is one of three Merrimack County commissioners, and his district includes Bow, Bradford, Danbury, Henniker, Hooksett, Hopkinton, Newbury, New London, Sutton, Warner and Wilmot.

The delegation, which is made up of about 40 elected officials, sets the county's budget, which covers costs for the registry of deeds, probate court, superior court, sheriff's department, correctional facilities and a retirement nursing home. It's up to the commissioners to prepare the final draft that goes before the county delegation - a task that not only requires someone to manage a multimillion-dollar budget, but someone who can balance the interests of taxpayers with the needs of the county's 700 employees.

"It's an everyday process," County Administrator Kathleen Bateson said yesterday. "J.D. is very unusual. . . . He's just a very committed, interested person. I've been in government for 35 years, and he's one of a kind."

Colcord said he knows taxpayers are concerned about the economy and believe the county is spending too much money, but he pointed out that this year's budget was actually flat.

"That's good because for years we've had double-digit increases. Most people don't realize everything that county does, they're required to do by state law," Colcord said. "We are required to run a nursing home, and we're required to have a jail. Would it be cheaper without them? I don't know."

During Colcord's tenure, the county broke ground on two expensive projects: a new jail and a nursing home. He said those were part of the reason he stayed as long as he did.

"With all of the building we had going on, I felt like it was kind of my duty to stay on top of it and make sure the taxpayers' money was being spent well," said Colcord, who spends three to six hours a day in the office for a job that pays $9,800 per year. Not as bad as the Legislature's $100 annual stipend, he said, but "it's not a job you take on for the money. You take it on because you want to give something back to the community."

One thing he does know, he said, is that the county's elected delegates are "the best in the state," and he said he would miss the job greatly.

"I can't say enough good things about the good leadership we have in the department," he said. "It's just a wonderful bunch of people that are extremely dedicated to their job. It's been a pleasure."