Oregon Revised Statutes Counties and County Officers § 203.145

(1) As used in this section, “board” means board of county commissioners, county court or county governing body of a county, as the case may be.

(2) Unless otherwise provided by county charter or legislation enacted pursuant thereto, the board of each county may appoint a person or persons licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon as counsel to advise the board and other county officers, to render services in connection with legal questions of a civil nature arising in the discharge of their functions, to prosecute violations of county law as defined by ORS 203.810, and to provide such additional services as the board determines. Counsel shall serve at the pleasure of the board, on a full- or part-time basis, and be compensated in the manner and amounts the board determines. The board shall reimburse counsel for necessary expenses incurred in performance of services rendered and may provide personnel, facilities and office space necessary for counsel to render such services.

(3) When a person or persons licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon have been appointed pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, they shall have the same civil authority and responsibilities as are otherwise provided for the district attorney when acting as advisor to the board and county officers.