The council in the council-administrator form of government shall consist of not less than three members nor more than 12 members. Council members are again elected either for two or four year terms of office. The administrator is an appointive official employed by the council who is to be the administrative head of the county government responsible for administration in all departments subject to the council's control. The council may employ the administrator for a definite term or not, at it's discretion. Should the council decide to terminate the administrator, he shall be given a written statement of the reasons for termination and has the right to a public hearing at a council meeting.

The powers and duties of the county administrator are outlined in state law and include the following:

(1) serving as chief administrative officer of the county;

(2) executing the policies, directives and legislative actions of the council;

(3) directing and coordinating operations of the county;

(4) preparing annual operating and capital budgets for the council, and requiring such reports, estimates and statistics as necessary from county departments and agencies;

(5) supervising the expenditure of appropriated funds;

(6) preparing financial and administrative reports for the council;

(7) administering county personnel policies, including salary and classification plans approved by council;

(8) employing and discharging county personnel, subject to council appropriation of funds for that purpose;

(9) and performing other duties as required by the council.

The administrator is specifically directed by law to inform the council of anticipated revenues and the amount of tax revenue required to meet the financial requirements of the county when he presents proposed operating and capital budgets to the council.