The County Council is the legislative branch of the county government that controls all the spending and revenue collections in the county.  They are responsible for setting priorities for the allocation of public funds, establishing salaries and other compensation, authorizing the expenditure of public funds for specific purposes, fixing tax rates and levies, and authorizing the borrowing of money in the form of bonds and notes.
Representatives are elected from county districts.  The council members serve four year terms.  For the purpose of electing County Councilmen, the county is divided into four council districts, from each of which one councilman is elected.  In addition, three councilmen are elected from the county at large, making a total of seven.
MEMBERS
John Barrett
Member, District 1
Smith, Union, Columbia NE		   Thomas Warner
Member, District 4
Cleveland, Jefferson, Washington, Columbia South
Kim Wheeler
Vice President, District 2
Etna Troy, Richland, Thorncreek, Columbia NW		   Joan Western
Member, District
At-Large
James Argerbright
President, District
At-Large		   Nicholas Brewer
Member, District 3
Columbia 1-8
Thor Hodges
Member, District
At-Large