During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee.

The first element of the name has an unknown meaning, but it may have come from a local river such as Fura.

The mayor was indirectly elected by a vote of the municipal council.

[6] The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Furnes was made up of 23 representatives that were elected to four year terms.

The party breakdown of the final municipal council was as follows: The mayors of Furnes:[13]