About

Hancock County was formed in 1828 and named after John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. The county government is a constitutional body made up of the County Council, Board of Commissioners, Court, and County Officials.

County Council: The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four-year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending.

Board of Commissioners: The board of commissioners is the executive body of the county government. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.

Court: The county maintains a small claims court that can handle some civil cases. The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is also elected to a four-year term.

County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including sheriff, coroner, auditor, treasurer, recorder, surveyor, and circuit court clerk. Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years.

Cities

Hancock County, Indiana, includes the following cities:

• Cumberland
• Fortville
• Greenfield
• McCordsville
• New Palestine
• Shirley
• Spring Lake
• Wilkinson

Townships

Hancock County, Indiana, includes the following townships:

• Blue River
• Brandywine
• Brown
• Buck Creek
• Center
• Green
• Jackson
• Sugar Creek
• Vernon