Jefferson County serves as both an administrative arm of the state government and as a unit of local government. Overseeing Jefferson County are three County Commissioners. Each Commissioner is elected by County residents and serves a four-year term. Commissioners serve as policymakers for land use, roads and bridges, parks, public assistance, and intergovernmental services. The Board of County Commissioners appoints the County Manager who oversees the directors of Development and Transportation, Business, Innovation, and Technology, Human Resources, Human Services, Parks & Conservation, Public Affairs, Operations, and Strategy, Innovation, and Finance. Other county departments include the Library Director and Public Health Director who report to a board. There are also Elected Officials in the County, which are the Assessor, Clerk and Recorder, Coroner, District Attorney, Sheriff, Surveyor, and Treasurer/Public Trustee, who oversee their own offices and personnel.
The County government responds to the needs of its residents through the cooperative effort of its elected officials, employees, and community advisors, all working together to improve the quality of life in the County. Resident access and input to county government is facilitated by the more than 300 volunteers who serve on numerous county boards, commissions, and committees.