Alabama's 67 counties are governed by an elected county commission (commonly 3–7 members) that holds combined legislative and executive power — setting the budget, tax rate, and county policy, often with an appointed administrator handling daily operations. Records such as deeds and mortgages are recorded separately through each county's elected Probate Judge, not the commission itself. For a public meeting, contact the county commission office; for a records request, the Probate Judge's office is often the right starting point.