How is county government generally organized and what do counties do?

County government is typically organized into elected officials, including a county board or commission, a sheriff, and various department heads overseeing public services like health, transportation, and law enforcement. Counties serve as an administrative arm of state government, managing local affairs and implementing state laws. They provide essential services such as public safety, education, infrastructure maintenance, and social services to residents. Additionally, counties often handle land use planning and zoning, ensuring local development aligns with community needs.