Clatsop County Government

Patrolling roads, inspecting restaurants, issuing building permits, maintaining roadways, vaccinating kids, and conducting elections – Clatsop County provides a wide variety of services to our citizens, businesses, and visitors.

From its elected officials to its paid staff to its citizen volunteers, Clatsop County government strives to protect and enhance the quality of life for all.

Clatsop County was founded in 1844, and 10 years later voters chose Astoria as the county seat. In 1988 the electorate voted to establish a Home Rule form of government for the county. Home rule allows local citizens to craft their own laws rather than relying on state statutes.

Clatsop County is governed by a five-member elected Board of Commissioners which establishes policies and sets the vision of the county. Voters also elect the Sheriff and District Attorney.

The Board of Commissioners appoints a County Manager to carry out its policies and oversee the day-to-day operations of the county government and ensure business activities of the county are conducted properly.

The county employs approximately 200 personnel.

View the county Organization Chart.

Clatsop County carries out its business under these documents:

• Charter  – the “constitution” providing the framework for county government
• Ordinances – laws adopted by the board of commissioners and codified in the Code of Regulations 
• Resolutions and orders

Clatsop County operates on an annual Budget that runs from July 1 to June 30. Along with local property taxes, county government functions are funded by state and federal monies and fees for services.

Along with the Board of Commissioners, several advisory boards and commissions oversee various services and programs:

• Board of Property Tax Appeals
• 4-H and Extension Service Advisory Council
• Fair Board
• Human Services Advisory Council
• Planning Commission
• Public Safety Coordinating Council
• Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee
• Rural Law Enforcement District Advisory Committee
• Westport Sewer Service District Advisory Committee

The Board of Commissioners also serves as the governing body for the following service districts:

• 4-H and Extension Service District – provides funding for the local Oregon State University Extension Service program.
• Rural Law Enforcement District – funds law enforcement services in the unincorporated area of Clatsop County.
• Road District #1 – funds repair and maintenance of county transportation infrastructure.
• Westport Sewer Service District – provides wastewater service to the Westport community.