County Council Member

County Government

Role Overview

The County Council serves as the fiscal and legislative body for the county. Its primary role is to manage the county's finances, including adopting the annual budget, setting tax rates, and approving all expenditures.

Quick Facts

Holder(s):

Elected Members (7 or 9)

Term:

4-year terms

Method:

Elected

Core Responsibilities

Adopt the annual county budget and appropriate all funds.

Essential Attributes & Risks

Key Competencies

Financial Acumen, Analytical Skills to evaluate departmental needs, and Collaborative Governance.

Set tax rates and levies for property taxes.

Authorize bonds or loans for major county projects.

Establish salaries for all county officers and employees.

Critical Risk

Fiscal mismanagement through unbalanced budgets or unsustainable spending, which could lead to service cuts or tax increases.

Constitutional Mandate

This section highlights how the office's duties align with the core objectives of the U.S. and Indiana Constitutions.

1 Promote the general Welfare

Directly funds all county services that support public well-being, from health to roads.

2 Insure domestic Tranquility

Allocates funding for law enforcement, courts, and emergency services.

3 Establish Justice

Funds the entire judicial system, including salaries for judges, prosecutors, and public defenders.

I do solemnly swear... that I will faithfully, impartially, and diligently discharge the duties of the office of county council member..."