Political structure

They meet at least six times a year to decide on matters of principle and overriding importance, including budgetary and financial planning. An economic plan forms the basis for the activities of the county council over the next four years. The annual budget is binding for county council activities.

The County Executive Board
The county council elects 15 representatives from among its members to form the County Executive Board. This body meets at least once a month to make decisions and recommendations in all matters unless otherwise provided by statute.

The County Principal Standing Committees
There are three principal standing committees whose members are elected by the county council. These committees provide the political leadership for the county council's main activities:

- The Committeefor Education
- The Committeefor Regional Development, Culture and Community Health
- The Committeefor Transport and the Environment

In addition there is a County Committee for Administrative Affairs which has a managerial function vis-a-vis the employees and a Minutes and Audit Committee.

The Chairman of the County Council
The Chairman of the County Council (or mayor) is the chief political representative of the county council. Besides having many other political functions, the mayor presides over the county council and the County Executive Board.