County Government 101 - Why We're Here
Why Counties Were Formed
Minnesota's 87 counties were originally formed to be locally-based agencies of the state. Counties have traditionally performed state-mandated local duties, such as:
- rural road maintenance
- property assessment
- record keeping
| - poverty relief
- election and judicial administration
- maintaining law and order in rural areas
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Our Core Mission
Counties are, in effect, an administrative arm of the State of Minnesota.
As such, mandated services (that is, services we're required by State law to provide) are 75%-85% of our County business.
Stearns County government's core mission and main obligation is
- to maintain public safety
- to protect vulnerable adults and children
- to maintain county infrastructure (primarily county roads and bridges)
- to protect the environment
How We Work with Others
These core services are not always the sole responsibility of the County. Depending on the exact location, you may need the help of a city official, a township board, or someone at the State level instead of Stearns County. If you're unsure, we'll be glad to help direct you. Contact Stearns County
If you live within the limits of a city in Stearns County, your city government generally performs these services.
Outside of municipal boundaries, township officials may be the point of contact for some services.
Many cities and townships work with the County to share the duties. For example, if you're building a new home, you may need to work with Stearns County for some permits, and with your local city or township officials for others.
For example, road maintenance is a shared responsibility.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation maintains Interstate and State Highways inside of Stearns County. These highways have signs that look like the ones below:
Stearns County Public Works maintains the County State Aid Highways and County Roads within the boundaries of Stearns County. County roads have signs like these:
The local Township Supervisor is the one to contact with questions about Township Roads. Township roads typically do not have a special sign; just a street-name sign.