The county government of Dearborn County is similar in structure to other government entities throughout the country. It has acquired its powers from the Indiana State Constitution and is made up of several governing bodies.

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The legislative branch of the Dearborn County government is the “County Council.” It is in charge of how to spend county funds and collecting revenues. The elected representatives of this body are from the various county districts. The representatives serve on this council for a term of four years. In addition to their other legislative duties they set salaries and plan the annual budget for the county. They also have, in a limited way, the power to impose taxes on local basis. This is accomplished through property tax and income taxes; however they can only impose these taxes following their approval by state government agencies.

There is also a Board of Commissioners which makes up the county’s executive body. These commissioners too are elected throughout the county. Their terms are staggered to maintain consistency throughout the county government, and each term is four years in length. Generally the commissioner who has served the longest is the president of this body. The Board of Commissioners is authorized to execute the laws which have been passed by the county council. This includes collecting revenues, and running the other day-to-day activities of this county government.

Two Supreme Courts and a Circuit Court make up the Dearborn County’s court system. The judges which preside are elected for six year terms.

The rest of the county officials include elected offices such as: prosecuting attorney, auditor, recorder, sheriff, coroner, surveyor, circuit court clerk and a treasurer.