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Government’s Role

Counties in Oklahoma play a fundamental role in providing essential government services to its residents, encompassing public safety and the maintenance of roads. With a total of 77 counties, each Oklahoman is served by one of these administrative units. To support their operations, counties rely on a diverse range of funding sources, including state aid, property taxes, user charges, and other revenue streams.

The governance structure of counties consists of three county commissioners who oversee the administration and decision-making processes. Additionally, five other elected officials hold important responsibilities within the county government:

  1. County Clerk: The County Clerk serves as the secretary to the County Boards, handling vital tasks such as accounting services, payroll management, bookkeeping, and acting as the custodian of county records. Moreover, they are responsible for maintaining and managing the registry of land records.

  2. Court Clerk: The Court Clerk plays a crucial role in assisting and managing the county court system. They handle various administrative duties related to court proceedings, document management, and record keeping, ensuring the smooth operation of the local judicial system.

  3. Assessor: The Assessor is responsible for assessing the value of real property within the county. By conducting assessments, they determine the property tax obligations for residents, contributing to the county’s revenue stream.

  4. Treasurer: The Treasurer assumes fiduciary responsibility for the ad valorem tax revenue collected within the county. They collect and distribute these funds to various entities, including school districts, county libraries, health departments, and cities. The Treasurer ensures the proper allocation of resources to support vital community services.

  5. Sheriff: Serving as the chief law enforcement officer of the county, the Sheriff is responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. They lead the county’s law enforcement agencies, ensuring the security and well-being of residents.

In summary, the functioning of Oklahoma counties relies on the collaborative efforts of elected officials fulfilling their respective responsibilities. Through effective governance and the allocation of resources, counties strive to provide efficient public services, maintain robust road infrastructure, and ensure the safety and welfare of their residents.