The care, support, and relief of needy persons is hereby declared to be a joint federal, state, and county function. County offices are charged with the responsibility for the administration of public assistance within the respective county or counties or parts thereof as local offices of the department as prescribed by the rules and regulations of the department.

Whenever a city or town establishes a program or policy for the care, support, and relief of needy persons it shall provide notice of the program or policy to the county or counties within which the city or town is located.