Counties may levy and collect taxes, conduct elections, enforce laws, purchase and control property and erect buildings necessary for the use of the county, provide for public health and welfare, provide fire protection, license businesses and trades, establish and maintain schools and libraries and record property mortgages, deeds and other legal documents.
County government is headed by a board of county commissioners, consisting of three commissioners.
One of the three commissioners is chosen chairman. The board is responsible for all county officers and departments. They meet with the public and county department officials and also serve on various committees and boards which serve the residents of Washington County.