[2] It was named for Donald M. Dickinson, who served as U.S. Postmaster General under President Grover Cleveland.

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services.

The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances.

In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.

In the 2006 elections, it was also the most supportive county of proposal 2, a state constitutional amendment banning affirmative action programs.