Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region.
The County assesses property, records public documents, conducts elections, collects taxes, and provides a variety of key community services, including public safety, public and behavioral health, building inspection, planning and zoning, road maintenance and construction, solid waste and the operation of a large Fair & Expo Center. Indirect services that support county operations include finance, human resources, property and facilities management, internal auditing, information technology, legal counsel, and public information.
The Board of County Commissioners is the governing body and is comprised of three commissioners elected at large. The Board’s duties include executive, judicial (quasi-judicial), and legislative authority over policy matters of countywide concern. The Board of Commissioners also acts as the governing body for other local public entities such as the Sunriver Service District, the 9-1-1 Service District, Black Butte Ranch and Extension/4-H. To implement policy and manage the day-to-day operations of the County, the Board appoints the County Administrator.
Deschutes County is self-funded for health insurance, and to help control health care costs, the County maintains an innovative on-site clinic and pharmacy for employees and dependents covered by the health plan.
