 The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads (through a largely independent road commission), operates the major local courts, records deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in providing welfare and social services.The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances.In Michigan, most local government functions – police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.