How Local County Government Works

Educational

Counties are the only local Government with mandated services. Regardless of the existence of cities (NOTE: Kootenai County has the best cities in all of Idaho), Kootenai County is still obligated to provide a number of services. The County is composed of 7 elected offices that must all work seamlessly together to provide these mandated services.

The Sheriff’s office must provide public safety to the community. For the Sheriff’s office to function, they need the Clerk to distribute them funds. For the Clerk to distribute funds, the Treasurer needs to collect property taxes and the Assessor’s property valuation is necessary to calculate the levy rate which is applied to the valuations. The Clerk’s office also audits the budget, provides clerks, and oversees elections. The Prosecutor’s office works with District courts and the Public Defender’s office in trying offenders. Lastly the Board of County Commissioners allocate funds for all offices to ensure the mandated services are properly funded.

Other duties Counties have are enforcing state laws, Collect taxes/fees/special assessments for other entities, some other notable services provided are Parks and Recreation, Planning, Solid Waste and Vehicle Registration and Licensing. Counties Exist to enhance the lives of their citizens.

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