Government

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.
Iron County elected officials

    * Prosecuting Attorney: Melissa Powell Weston was appointed Prosecuting Attorney after the death of Joe Sartorelli on November 24, 2006. She is Iron County's first female prosecutor.
    * Sheriff: Mark Valesano
    * County Clerk: Joan Luhtanen
    * County Treasurer: Marcia Cornelia
    * Register of Deeds: Mark Selmo
    * Drain Commissioner: Thomas Clark
    * Mine Inspector: Thomas C. Karvala

(information as of January 2007)