Governance

Jacksonport is a township governed by an elected town board comprised of a chairperson and two supervisors, and appointed clerk-treasurer.

Under state law, towns assume these responsibilities:

• operate local polling places for elections
• conduct property tax assessment, dispute procedures, billing and collection
• ensure fire protection and ambulance service
• provide a recycling program
• maintain town highways.

Towns are the only form of government in Wisconsin (Wisconsin Constitution, Article IV, Sec. 23), as well as most of the world, where citizens directly participate in government decision-making. Towns are required to hold "town meetings" where all qualified electors 18 or older can discuss and vote on town matters, including the town's property tax levy and budget.

Other services, ordinances and tax levies, such as for the local school district, are the responsibility of Door County or other government entities.