The board of commissioners consists of three elected individuals elected from separate districts in which they must reside, but elected from the county at large. Their term is 4 years, elected on a staggered basis. Their duties include controlling, maintaining and supervising county property; supervising construction and maintenance of roads and bridges; contracting with private people or corporations for ambulance services; establishing solid waste districts and serving on the district boards; making appointments to boards, commissions and other agencies as provided by law; and providing zoning and planning for the county.The commissioners must hold monthly meetings, must furnish and maintain a courthouse, jail and public offices for the elected county officials. They must audit the books of the county treasurer and county auditor.The county commissioners appoint the following boards and commissions: merit board, health department, park board, highway department, plan commission, weights and measures board, hospital board, capital improvement board, drainage board, redevelopment commission and building commission.