About Us

The 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}

 

Council Members

 

Greg Patterson

Greg Patterson (R), District 1

440 Third Street - Ste 102
Columbus, IN 47201

 CouncilD1

 

Leah Beyer

Leah Beyer (R), District 2

440 Third Street - Ste 102
Columbus, IN 47201

 CouncilD2

 

Mark Gorbett

Mark Gorbett (R), District 3

440 Third Street - Ste 102
Columbus, IN 47201

Phone: 812-342-9989

 CouncilD3

Jorge R. Morales

Jorge R. Morales (R), District 4

440 Third Street - Ste 102
Columbus, IN 47201

Phone: 812-371-1350

CouncilD4

Kim Bennett

Kim Bennett (R), At Large

440 Third Street - Ste 102
Columbus, IN 47201

 CouncilAtLarge

 

Marcus D. Speer

 Marcus D. Speer (R), At Large

440 Third Street - Ste 102
Columbus, IN 47201

 

 CouncilAtLarge

Michael R. Bell

 Michael R. Bell (R), At Large

440 Third Street - Ste 102
Columbus, IN 47201

 CouncilAtLarge 

CouncilDistrictsMaps   AllCountyMaps

 

News

Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2025) - Fiscal Management Impact to Bartholomew County

October 6, 2025

 

Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2025) introduces significant changes affecting the fiscal management of public funds across the state. In response, the Bartholomew County Council has partnered with Reedy Financial Group, PC to gain a deeper understanding of the Council's responsibilities and opportunities under this new legislation. This collaboration will help ensure that the Council continues to act in the best interests of all Bartholomew County residents and partner communities. 

 

During the Council's October 6, 2025 work session, Reedy Financial Group provided a comprehensive Legislative Overview Discussion, outlining key provisions of the Act and their potential impact on county financial operations.

 

The presentation slides and full audio recording of the discussion are available for review and download below.

 

Document Bartholomew County Indiana SAE 1 - Executive Presentation Slides

 

youtube Bartholomew County October 6, 2025 Work Session - Audio Recording

 

 

 

 

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