The Council has overall responsibility for delivering local government throughout Central Otago.

To enable this to be done efficiently, there are 4 departments:

Assets and Contracts - looks after roading, water, wastewater, refuse, property, rural fire and civil defence. 

Planning and Environment - Looks after resource consents, building consents, liquor and food licensing, dog control and other regulatory functions.

Corporate Services - Looks after finance, computing, personnel, rating, customer services and libraries.

District Development - Encompasses community, heritage, education, health, parks and recreation, community facilities, business development, tourism, regional identity, communications, visitor information centres, swimming pools and cemeteries.

The Council also has various Committees and Community Boards to help with the decision making process.