Skip navigation.

e-Notifier | Login | Register | Help | Contact Us | FAQ | Site Map

Departments

The department is the principal organization level of the county. Departments are identified either as operating departments, which provide direct services to citizens, or staff departments, which perform functions relating to the support of the operating departments. The County Clerk, District Attorney and Sheriff are directly elected by popular vote as are the County Executive and the twenty-nine Legislators.

Departments may be separated into divisions, divisions into sections, and sections into units, as necessary, to reach a level which facilitates analysis and understanding. (Additional links to other important agencies and divisions have been added alphabetically in the left menu.) The department level, however, is the level at which the County Legislature actually authorizes appropriations. The number of divisions, sections and units presented generally varies according to a department’s size and complexity.

County Executive, Office of the
The County Executive is the chief executive officer and administrative head of the Monroe County government. The County Executive develops policies, proposes legislation to the County Legislature, appoints department heads, directs the preparation of the annual operating budget and the Capital Improvement Program and coordinates the management of all departments. The County Executive also represents County interests to the local, state and federal governments. The County Executive is elected to serve a four-year term.
Go to department page.
Airport (Aviation Department)
The Greater Rochester International Airport is a major commercial air facility in New York State. The county licenses the Airport’s facilities to the Monroe County Airport Authority (MCAA) which sublets land and terminal space to airlines, concessionaries and various other parties. The Aviation Department is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Airport including administrative services, building and field maintenance, security and emergency response to the MCAA under contract. The Airport is self-funded and requires no financial support from the county general fund. Airport facilities include a modern terminal building, two airline concourses with a total of 21 aircraft gates, a 1,400-space covered parking garage, a 1,350-space outside surface lot, and a shuttle parking lot with 2,600 spaces.
Go to department page.
Board of Elections
The Board of Elections conducts all national, state, county, city and town elections in Monroe County. National elections now require compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). New York State Legislation identifies additional requirements and implementation procedures. In addition, the Board of Elections provides machines, support and relevant materials to villages, school districts, fire districts, union districts, water districts and other organizations both private and public. It currently maintains official election records on 436,000 voters and directs all aspects of voter registration, redistricting and administration of elections. Our updated automated records provide an historical and legal source for governmental agencies and individuals requiring documentation for employment, residency and citizenship.
Go to department page.
Communications
The Department of Communications consolidates a number of county communications functions: Freedom of Information procedures, public information activities, emergency response, graphic coordination and special events planning. Communications is the center source of information on Monroe County operations for all of its customers in the general public, the media and within Monroe County government. The department promotes the policies, programs and agenda of the Monroe County Administration, contributing to the success of those programs by developing community and internal support for them.
Go to department page.
County Clerk
The Monroe County Clerk is the County Registrar and Clerk of the Supreme and County Courts. The Clerk is responsible for filing, recording and storing official documents and acts as agent for state and federal governments for passports, pistol permits, sporting licenses and motor vehicle related transactions. The Office of the County Clerk provides accurate and timely processing of transactions, delivery of information and responsible records management to the public in a customer-friendly atmosphere to ensure the fulfillment of federal, state and county laws.
Go to department page.
District Attorney
The District Attorney is a constitutional officer elected to a four-year term as Chief Prosecutor for Monroe County. The office oversees the prosecution of all crimes committed in the county. The work performed by this department is mandated by state law, but the county exercises some control over service levels. The District Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue established priorities such as the delivery of specialized services to the victims and witnesses of crime and the enhancement of prosecutorial efforts in cases involving violent felonies, drug abuse and homicide.
Go to department page.
Environmental Services
The Department of Environmental Services manages a viable infrastructure to enhance the environment, to preserve natural resources and to protect the public health of our community. This is accomplished by effectively and efficiently using the waste disposal facilities under our charge, providing programs of environmental education and public awareness, evaluating and implementing new technologies that are cost effective and environmentally beneficial, recruiting and training an enthusiastic and competent work force and ensuring that infrastructure, services, and resources meet the demands of economic growth.
Go to department page.
Finance
Under the administration of the Director of Finance–Chief Financial Officer, the department serves to supervise and control the financial affairs of the County. This includes coordinating and managing the functions of the Office of the Controller, the Office of Grants and Reimbursements, and the divisions of Treasury, Real Property Tax Service, Purchasing, and Internal Audit, as well as debt management.
Go to department page.
Human Resources
The Department of Human Resources is responsible for the personnel function for Monroe County government as well as the civil service function for all local governmental units within the county, except for the City of Rochester. Additionally, the department administers county labor relations, employee safety, benefits, affirmative action and employee training and staff development, including Quality Management. Human Resources provides services including employee and retiree benefits, labor relations, payroll, employee relations, training, employee safety, recruitment, affirmative action and civil service administration for all county departments to assist in the recruitment and retention of a productive work force.
Go to department page.
Human Services
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has as its goal a common sense human service delivery system that is comprehensive, responsive, coordinated and based on measurable results. The Department provides various forms of assistance to citizens of Monroe County including income support, medical assistance and comprehensive services designed to promote a higher quality of life for children, families and disadvantaged or elderly adults. DHS is organized into the following primary divisions: Central Administration, Child and Family Services, Financial Assistance, Special Children’s Services, Operations, Adult-Older Adult Services, Children’s Center, Office for the Aging, Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau and Office of Mental Health.
Go to department page.
Information Services
Information Services provides solutions to meet the county’s requirements for information for both internal departments and external customers such as towns, villages, the city and citizens. The department performs business process re-engineering and user needs assessments, then matches information requirements with cost-effective information technology. Information Services coordinates the installation, operation and maintenance of county mainframe, mid-range, and micro-computers. It is also responsible for monitoring and evaluating technological developments and formulating standards and guidelines for computing within Monroe County government.
Go to department page.
Law
The Monroe County Law Department provides to county departments and residents high quality legal representation and counsel that are of value to the community at large. These services meet client and public needs, are delivered expeditiously and inspire client and public confidence. The Law Department provides quality legal services to enable Monroe County government to assure a safe, healthy, prosperous and stimulating environment which results in a world class place to live, work and enjoy life.
Go to department page.
Management and Budget, Office of
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prepares, publishes and administers the annual operating budget and assists in the preparation of the Capital Improvement Program. The department monitors expenditures and revenues and conducts analyses of county operations for the purpose of improving efficiency and effectiveness. A typical annual work plan also includes the preparation of multi-year budget forecasts, analyses of the effect of the New York State budget on the county budget, preparation of financial information and analyses for presentation to the credit rating agencies, administration of the Sales Tax and Hotel Room Occupancy Tax, and review of recommendations to the County Legislature and contracts for services to ensure consistency with county financial and management objectives and policies. OMB also interfaces with citizen advisory teams (CASE Commission, Center for Civic Entrepreneurship) to identify and implement efficiencies.
Go to department page.
Monroe Community Hospital
Monroe Community Hospital (MCH) provides multi-disciplinary services for the extended care and treatment of the aged and chronically ill patient. The primary mission of the facility is to provide high-quality, comprehensive patient-centered care with the emphasis on functional restoration. Physicians and dental staff are provided for the hospital by a medical affiliation contract with the University of Rochester. Patients are assessed prior to admission and periodically after admission to determine the nursing/rehabilitation services they require.
Go to department page.
Parks
Parks in Monroe County were established in 1888 with the creation of the Rochester Parks Commission and the dedication of Highland Park. In 1926, the county began to assume direct responsibility for the management of local parklands, and today the Parks Department operates 20 parks totaling more than 11,200 acres. Almost all 20 county parks have picnic and hiking areas and most are equipped with sports facilities, shelters and lodges.
Go to department page.
Planning and Development
The Planning and Development Department provides and coordinates a broad range of programs focusing on job retention and creation, employment and training services, land use planning and resource conservation as well as housing and neighborhood preservation. The department integrates planning services with economic and community development activities through partnerships with local governments and the private sector.
Go to department page.
Public Defender
The Public Defender is appointed by the County Legislature for a two-year term. The Public Defender’s Office represents indigent individuals in criminal court proceedings, Family Court, and Surrogate Court. Services are mandated by state and federal law, but are subject to some county control. The Public Defender heads a professional staff which includes attorneys and support staff.
Go to department page.
Public Health
The Department of Public Health provides a wide range of services designed to promote health and protect the public from disease and environmental hazards. Services focus on prevention of health problems through education, preventive services and enforcement of health codes and medical policies. Categories of service include maternal and child health, environmental health, communicable disease prevention and control (including clinic services), and medical examiner services.
Go to department page.
Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety consolidates and manages functions related to the provision of public safety services. Public Safety provides support services and tools to the first responders through coordinated efforts with all agencies and disciplines to ensure their protection in serving the entire community. The Public Safety department has as its largest component the division of Probation/Community Corrections. Other Public Safety services include: 9-1-1 Emergency Communications, Office of Emergency Preparedness, the Mutual Aid Fire Bureau, the Public Safety Laboratory, Weights and Measures, Public Safety Communications, Central Police Services, Traffic Safety, STOP-DWI and Alternatives to Incarceration, Judicial System Support for the United Court System and the State Appellate Court, as well as the Assigned Counsel/Conflict Defender.
Go to department page.
Sheriff
The Office of the Sheriff consists of an administrative division and four bureaus: Civil, Police, Jail and Court Security. The Civil Bureau is the enforcement arm of the courts in all civil matters. The Police Bureau provides law enforcement services to the county outside the City of Rochester, and operates specialized patrols at the airport, in county parks, and on navigable waterways. The Jail Bureau provides housing for inmates remanded by the courts. It also transports prisoners to and from courts and to state correctional institutions. Court Security provides safety and protection in the courtrooms of the Hall of Justice and the Appellate Court Building on East Avenue.
Go to department page.
Transportation
The Department of Transportation is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of approximately 1,494 lane miles of county highways, 178 bridges and 289 culverts. It is also responsible for the installation and maintenance of all traffic control devices on county highways and on the streets within the City of Rochester including 770 traffic signal devices, as well as the operation of the Colonel Patrick O'Rorke Bridge.
Go to department page.
Veterans Service Agency
The County Veterans Service Agency counsels and assists veterans and their descendants in areas such as pension and compensation, health and medical, rehabilitation, educational and life insurance services. The agency advocates on behalf of all Monroe County veterans to ensure they receive the maximum benefits to which they are entitled under federal, state and local law. Service Officers actively assist veterans in pursuing claims for burial benefits, disability compensation, pension benefits, real property tax exemptions and other benefits. Presentations to veterans organizations and civic groups keep veterans informed of agency functions and new laws affecting their benefits. Agency staff assist with activities associated with memorial decorations and services honoring veterans.
Go to department page.
Print this page Back to top

Aging and Adult Services

Picture of older couple laughing.
Prescription Discount Plan

Monroe County has joined The RxChoice Drugstore Savings Club, a prescription drug discount card with 2 million members nationwide. Through this partnership, RxChoice will provide their service FREE to all Monroe County Residents.

Free Monroe County-RxChoice Cards are available to all residents regardless of income level. Medicare eligibility is not required. The only requirement is that the applicant reside in Monroe County, New York. Learn more.

ECD 9-1-1 Center

Picture of the I-490 expressway.

The Vital Link Between Citizens and Public Safety Agencies

In the City of Rochester a call is considered a report if the event occurred five minutes or more prior to the 9-1-1 call and if any suspects have left the scene. In all other towns of Monroe County a call is a report if the event occurred 15 minutes or more before the call.

Youth Bureau

Picture of two smiling young girls
Serving Our Youth

The Rochester-Monroe County Youth Bureau is a planning, funding and coordinating agency dedicated to developing, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive system of services for youth in the Rochester and Monroe County community. Learn more.

Visit The Zoo

Picture of a Monroe County Parks lodge.
Take a Trip to Seneca Park Zoo

Go online to meet the animals, plan your trip, renew your membership or learn more about the latest zoo happenings.

Airport(GRIA)

Picture of the outside of the Greater Rochester International Airport

Convenient Parking

The Greater Rochester International Airport, always the most convenient place to fly from, is now better than ever with more competitive fares and easy on-site parking. Zip in, zoom out—parking at the Greater Rochester International Airport is fast, convenient and close to the terminal. Learn more.