VOTE411 Voter Guide

The council has the ultimate decision‐making power regarding fiscal affairs. The council has authority to view or review fiscal matters, determine proper policy and set priorities for the allocation and expenditure of county funds. The General Assembly determines the powers of the county council in this area. Typically, these powers include:o · Approving and fixing annual operating budgets of all county government offices and agencies.o · Establishing salaries, wages, per diems, and other compensation for all county officials and employees.o · Fixing tax rates and establishing levies on all county property for the purpose of raising funds to meet budget requirements in conducting county business as well as authorizing the borrowing of money in the form of bonds and notes.o · Appropriating public funds, i.e., authorizing the expenditure of county money by particular officials or departments for specific purposes.o · Authorizing certain purchases or sales of county owned land.o · Non‐binding review of budgets for certain non‐elected boards in the county and othercivil units.The Bartholomew County Council is comprised of seven (7) elected officials who are defined as the county s fiscal body in IC 36-2-3.  The Council members are divided into four (4) districts and three at-large positions, elected to staggered four (4) year terms.The council has the ultimate decision-making power regarding fiscal affairs. This body has the authority to view or review fiscal matters, determine proper policy, and set priorities for the allocation and expenditure of county funds. The General Assembly determines the powers of the county council in this area. Their duties include, but are not limited to:· Approving and fixing annual operating budgets of all county government offices and agencies {IC 36-2-5-7}· Establishing salaries, wages, per diems, and other compensation for all county officials and employees {IC 36-2-5-3}· Fixing tax rates and establishing levies on all county property for the purpose of raising funds to meet budget requirements in conducting county business {IC 36-2-5-11}, as well as authorizing the borrowing of money in the form of bonds and notes {IC 36-2-6-18}· Appropriating public funds, i.e., authorizing the expenditure of county money by particular officials or departments for specific purposes {IC 36-2-5-11 and IC 36-2-5-12}