Regardless of the existence of cities, Kootenai County is still obligated to provide a number of services mandated by the State of Idaho. For example, we must provide public safety services - the Sheriff's office, a jail, Prosecutor's office, & District Court.
Educational Video available here.
A brief overview of Kootenai County is the County is composed of 7 elected offices (9 elected officials) that must all work seamlessly together to provide these mandated services. The Sheriff’s office must provide public safety to the community. For the Sheriff’s office to function, they need the Clerk to distribute them funds. For the Clerk to distribute funds, the Treasurer needs to collect property taxes and the Assessor’s property valuation is necessary to calculate the levy rate which is applied to the valuations. The Clerk’s office also audits the budget, provides clerks, and oversees elections. The Prosecutor’s office works with District courts and the Public Defender’s office in trying offenders. The Coroner determines in each of those cases the manner and cause of death and, if necessary, holds an Inquest and determine the facts as to how, when, where and by what means the deceased came to their death. Lastly, the Board of County Commissioners allocate funds for all offices to ensure the mandated services are properly funded.
Other duties Counties have are enforcing state laws, collecting taxes/fees/special assessments for other entities.
Some other notable services provided are Parks and Recreation, Planning, Solid Waste and Vehicle Registration and Licensing.
Counties Exist to enhance the lives of their citizens.
*For Educational Purposes only.