- Providing local government services, such as public health, education, law enforcement, and recreation
- Enacting and enforcing local ordinances
- Levying and collecting taxes
- Issuing licenses and permits
- Conducting elections
- Maintaining public records
- Zoning and planning
- Public assistance and social services
- Economic development
In some states, counties are also responsible for administering state programs, such as welfare and Medicaid.
Counties generally do not have the power to make laws, except in the form of local ordinances that are subordinate to state law. They also do not have the power to tax directly, but may impose fees and charges for certain services.
The relationship between counties and state governments is complex and interdependent. Counties are both agents of the state and autonomous local governments. They play a vital role in providing essential services to their residents and in ensuring the efficient functioning of the state government.