(b) At its annual meeting under IC 36-2-3-7 (b)(2), the county fiscal body shall fix the county tax rate and make appropriations for the next calendar year by:

1. (1) adopting the ordinances presented by the county auditor;
2. (2) amending the ordinances presented by the county auditor; or

3. (3) substituting other ordinances for those presented by the county auditor.

   Each ordinance must be read on at least two (2) separate days before its final adoption. The fiscal body may require the preparer of an estimate that is not sufficiently itemized to itemize it in more detail. At least a three-fourths (3/4) vote (as described in IC 36-1-8-14 ) of the fiscal body is required to make an appropriation for an item not contained in an estimate or for a greater amount than that named in an item of an estimate.

(c) At its annual meeting under IC 36-2-3-7 (b)(2), the county fiscal body shall consider the statements and recommendations submitted by the county executive under section 4(b) of this chapter and shall then adopt an ordinance, separate from those adopted under subsection (b), fixing:

1. (1) the compensation of all officers, deputies and other employees subject to this chapter; and

2. (2) the number of deputies and other employees for each office, department, commission, or agency, except part-time and hourly rated employees, whose employment shall be limited only by the amount of funds appropriated to pay their compensation.

   [Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-1-24-18.3 part; 17-1-24-18.4 part; 17-1-24-19 part; 17-3-19-4 part; 17-3-19-5.]

   As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.125-2001, SEC.2; P.L.127-2017, SEC.27.