313 Haney Ave, South Bend, IN 46613, USA
574-304-4559
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.