Directory
Most offices have their own line, listed below; the courthouse main line is (573) 323-4527. Hours: Monday–Friday (call ahead for hours).
About the county
Carter County is governed by a three-member County Commission — a presiding commissioner and associate commissioners for the east and west districts — alongside a set of independently elected offices. The county seat is Van Buren.
The old stone courthouse flooded in 2017, and county offices have since moved to the new courthouse and justice center at 1122 Main Street, which also houses the Sheriff’s office and jail. See the office directory below for each office’s phone number.
The county’s governing body — one presiding commissioner elected countywide plus one associate commissioner from each district. Sets the county budget, oversees county property and roads, and handles administrative matters not assigned to another office.
Keeps the county’s official records and Commission minutes, runs elections and voter registration, and issues local licenses and permits.
Determines the assessed value of real estate and personal property each year — the figure the Collector’s office uses to calculate tax bills.
Bills and collects real estate and personal property taxes, then distributes the proceeds to the schools, road districts, and other entities that levy them.
Records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats for real estate in the county, and issues marriage licenses.
Custodian of county funds — invests and disburses county money and reconciles accounts alongside the Collector and Commission.
Manages estates, guardianships, and conservatorships for residents unable to handle their own affairs, by appointment of the probate court.
The county’s elected attorney — prosecutes criminal cases and represents the state in county court matters.
Clerk of the county’s circuit court — maintains court records, dockets, and filings for civil and criminal cases.
County law enforcement — patrol, the county jail, court security, and service of civil process. In an emergency, call 911.
Investigates deaths that occur under circumstances the law requires to be examined, and determines cause and manner of death.
Verify before relying on this. Phone numbers here were compiled from the Missouri Association of Counties’ directory. The county doesn’t publish its officeholders online, so names aren’t listed. Elected offices turn over every four years — call ahead to confirm who currently holds an office.
