BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY — Four-term Bartholomew County Councilman George Morales has announced he will not seek re-election for another term.
Morales
Morales said he will continue to be involved in public service for the county and in local government but decided not to run again for public office after serving for 16 years.
Current Bartholomew County Treasurer Barb Hackman announced she will seek the Republican nomination for Morales’ 4th District seat, as she completes her second term as treasurer and is term-limited.
Barb Hackman
Hackman, who is a leader in the Bartholomew County Republican Party and was formerly Bartholomew County auditor for two terms, will also serve as the president of the Association of Indiana Counties as an elected official from Bartholomew County.
Hackman said her plans to seek the fourth district council seat reflect how she has dearly loved being a part of county government.
The Bartholomew County Council is comprised of seven elected officials who are defined as the county’s fiscal body in IC 36-2-3. The council members are divided into four 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}
