The Board of County Commissioners, comprised of three elected officials, elected at large, serves as the public’s elected advocates and is the policymaking body of Deschutes County government. The Board’s duties include executive, judicial (quasi-judicial) and legislative authority over policy matters of countywide concern. The executive duties include establishment of the budget, which is done with the aid of the three lay members of the Budget Committee. To implement policy and manage the day-to-day operations of the county, the Board appoints a county administrator.

The Board's charge also includes creation and enforcement of County ordinances and, in general, the resolution of any problems arising between the citizenry and various County departments. In addition, the Board is involved in a host of regional and community efforts.
 
The Board of Commissioners also is the governing body for other boards such as the Sunriver Service District, the 9-1-1 Service District, and the Extension/4-H County Service District.