The County has operated a road system for over 100 years, and a flood protection system for over 75 years. In 2000, the Department of Public Works was established by bringing together Transportation, Flood Control, Solid Waste, and Surveyor under one departmental structure. Public Works primary responsibilities are to operate and maintain county roads, administer special transportation projects, oversee subdivision maps, records of survey through the Surveyor’s Office, operate the county's solid waste system, and maintain a very extensive system of flood control and water conservation facilities.
Special Districts is now part of the Public Works team. The Special Districts Department provides essential programs and municipal services that meet the current and future needs of the communities served.