Chapter 13.2 County Governments

Counties The county is normally the largest territorial and political subdivision of a state. Counties vary greatly in population and land area. The county is normally the largest territorial and political subdivision of a state. Counties vary greatly in population and land area. In the 1800s, the county courthouse was the center of the gov’t. The towns where the county courthouse is located are called county seats. In the 1800s, the county courthouse was the center of the gov’t. The towns where the county courthouse is located are called county seats.

continued A board of three to five elected commissioners governs most counties. Most serve four-year terms. Boards serve as the legislature, but some also have executive powers. A board of three to five elected commissioners governs most counties. Most serve four-year terms. Boards serve as the legislature, but some also have executive powers. The sheriff is the county’s chief law enforcement officer. The sheriff’s department, including deputies and jailers, enforces court orders and manages the county jail. The sheriff is the county’s chief law enforcement officer. The sheriff’s department, including deputies and jailers, enforces court orders and manages the county jail.

continued The district attorney, the county’s prosecutor, investigates crimes, brings charges and prosecutes cases in court. The coroner tries to establish the cause of unusual death. The district attorney, the county’s prosecutor, investigates crimes, brings charges and prosecutes cases in court. The coroner tries to establish the cause of unusual death.

continued The county clerk keeps gov’t records and supervises elections. The assessor estimates the worth of taxable property. The treasurer supervises county funds, makes payments and may serve as tax collector. The auditor supervises the treasurer’s work to make sure that no county money is spent without the board’s approval. The county clerk keeps gov’t records and supervises elections. The assessor estimates the worth of taxable property. The treasurer supervises county funds, makes payments and may serve as tax collector. The auditor supervises the treasurer’s work to make sure that no county money is spent without the board’s approval.

continued In some areas, cities handle most services. In others, county gov’ts have grown more important. Many counties provide water, sewer and sanitation services. Many operate hospitals, police departments and mass transit systems. In some areas, cities handle most services. In others, county gov’ts have grown more important. Many counties provide water, sewer and sanitation services. Many operate hospitals, police departments and mass transit systems.

continued Some counties have adopted a new form of gov’t in which the board acts only as a legislature. An elected chief administrative official, or county executive, handles all executive duties. Sometimes the board appoints a county manager. Some counties have adopted a new form of gov’t in which the board acts only as a legislature. An elected chief administrative official, or county executive, handles all executive duties. Sometimes the board appoints a county manager.