Community Resources

The Miami County Council is the legislative and fiscal body of county government. It is composed of seven members — four district representatives (Districts 1–4) and three at-large members — all elected by voters.

The County Council's primary responsibilities include:

• Setting tax rates and approving tax levies • Adopting the annual county budget • Appropriating funds for county departments • Reviewing and approving additional appropriations during the year • Setting salaries for elected officials and county employees

The County Council meets regularly throughout the year and all meetings are open to the public. Residents can attend, listen, and often speak during public comment periods.

The Miami County Board of Commissioners is the executive body of county government, consisting of three commissioners elected from districts.

Commissioners are responsible for:

• Day-to-day administration of county government • County roads and highways • County-owned buildings and facilities • Zoning and land use decisions • Contracts and agreements on behalf of the county • Emergency management

While County Council controls the budget, Commissioners manage county operations. Both bodies must often work together on major county decisions.

Property taxes in Indiana are determined by a combination of your property's assessed value and the tax rates set by local government bodies — including County Council, school boards, library boards, and other taxing units.

Key facts about Miami County property taxes:

• The County Assessor determines your property's assessed value (generally 100% of market value) • County Council sets the county's tax rate (or levy) • Multiple taxing units each set their own rates — your total bill adds them all up • Indiana has property tax caps: 1% of assessed value for residential homestead, 2% for other residential, 3% for commercial/agricultural

If you believe your assessment is incorrect, you have the right to file a formal appeal with the Indiana Board of Tax Review. Contact the County Assessor's office for more information.

Each fall, Miami County goes through a budget process that determines how public dollars will be spent in the coming year.

The budget process generally works as follows:

1. County departments submit budget requests to the County Council 2. County Council holds public budget hearings — residents can attend and comment 3. Council adopts the budget (typically in October) 4. The Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) reviews and certifies the budget

The county budget is a public document. Residents can request copies from the County Auditor's office or access budget documents on the county's website.

Public hearings are formal meetings where county government is required to accept public comment before making certain decisions — such as adopting a budget, approving a major zoning change, or passing a new ordinance.

At a public hearing, residents can:

• Speak on the record about the matter being considered • Submit written comments • Ask questions (though officials are not always required to answer during the hearing)

Tips for attending a public hearing:

• Arrive early — sign-up for public comment may be first-come, first-served • Be prepared with written notes — speakers are often given 2–3 minutes • Your comments become part of the official record

You don't have to run for office to make a difference in Miami County government. Here are practical ways to stay informed and get involved:

• Attend public meetings — County Council and Commissioner meetings are open to everyone • Sign up for county meeting agendas and minutes (contact the County Auditor) • Speak at public comment periods — your voice matters • Contact your elected officials directly — they work for you • Stay informed — read meeting recaps, attend candidate forums, and follow local news • Vote in every election, including primaries and off-year elections

Local government decisions often have more direct impact on your daily life than state or federal decisions. Attendance and participation matter.