Functions and Duties of County Government Overview

• To levy and apportion taxes

• To establish and alter precinct boundaries

• To establish voting places for each precinct

• To build, alter or discontinue any road running though the County

• To grant certain licenses; i.e., liquor licenses and dance hall licenses

• To record legal documents

• To register voters

• To assess all real and personal property

• To certify total valuation for assessment of all taxable property to cities, towns and special districts including school districts

• To collect and disburse property taxes

• To hold tax sales

• To police unincorporated areas of the County

• To maintain the County Detention Center

• To preserve the peace

• To investigate and determine the causes of death, the reasons for which are not known

• To administer human services programs

• To provide for proper land use in the unincorporated areas of the County

• To keep and preserve peace in the County

• Operate a County Detention facility

• Prosecute all felonies, misdemeanors and juvenile offenses

• Administer all welfare programs determined by the State Department of Human Services

• Plan, construct and maintain County roads and bridges

• Establish land use controls

• Enforce building regulations and issue building permits