Telemark county council (Telemark fylkeskommune) is the level of public government between the national government and the municipalities. It is the second largest employer in the county, with approximately 1600 employees. While the term county (fylke) denotes the geographical area, the county council (fylkeskommune) is the democratically elected body, with responsibilities for public welfare in the county. Norway's public sector is comprised of three levels: the national government, the municipalities, and between them, the county councils.