The great majority of Montana's 56 counties (53 of them) operate under general state law with a small elected Board of County Commissioners, typically three members, holding both legislative and executive power. A few counties have adopted local self-government charters; two of those — Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge — are also consolidated city-county governments, a feature specific to those two places rather than a statewide pattern. For most Montana residents, the county commissioners are the right point of contact for a public meeting or records request.