Franklin County government

Under Kansas state law, counties are considered the local representative of state government, with locally-elected officials and responsibilities.

As the state has shed responsibilities and services to save money and for other reasons, the counties have expanded to cover those services mandated by the state. Often the counties have had to expand their budgets to

Much of the county's functions, policies and budgets are overseen by the Franklin County Commission. There are five elected commissioners. Four of the districts include parts of the city of Ottawa. The fifth district covers eastern Franklin County.

Commissioners are elected for four-year terms, with terms staggered so that two or three commissioners are up for election.

Commissioners meet twice a week starting at 8:30 a.m. each Monday and Wednesday at the Franklin County Office Annex, 1418 S. Main St., Ottawa.

The county has a county administrator to handle day-to-day and budgeting operations for the county. It has a separate county counselor as a legal adviser.

The county handles traditional functions including roads, sheriff's protection, elections, controlling noxious weeds and taxation.

However, the county's role has expanded to include other services -- some of which were mandated by the state and others to fill unique local needs -- an ambulance service, consolidated 911 dispatch, health clinic, planning and zoning, disaster planning and recycling.

The county also provides tax money to independent and autonomous entities including Ransom Memorial Hospital, Franklin County Mental Health, Fourth District C ourt, Community Corrections, Juvenile Justice Authority and the Franklin County Extension Service.

In addition to the commissioners, there are five elected county officials: County Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, County Attorney and Sheriff.

Under state law, the county appraiser is considered a county official but is also considered an independent contractor to the county.

However, most county departments are run by directors appointed by the commission and under the direct supervision of the county administrator.