OKEECHOBEE – April is National County Government Month.

At their April 13 meeting, the Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners passed a proclamation honoring the importance of county government.

“The nation’s 3,069 counties serving more than 330 million Americans provide essential services to create healthy, safe and vibrant communities,” the proclamation states.

“Counties fulfill a vast range of responsibilities and deliver services that touch nearly every aspect of our residents’ lives.

“Okeechobee County and all counties take pride in our responsibility to protect and enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents in efficient and cost-effective ways.

“Under the leadership of National Association of Counties President Denise Winfrey, NACo is highlighting how “Counties RISE!,” demonstrating exemplary Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency, and Empowerment.

“Each year since 1991 the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties across the country to elevate awareness of county responsibilities, programs, and services.

“County governments serve the unincorporated areas of a county by providing and taking responsibility for building inspections, planning and zoning, parks and recreation services, fire department services, emergency services, veteran services, senior services for seniors, and public works (roads, drainage, signage, paving and so forth).”