Madison County is Alabama's third most populated county with a per capita income second only to Shelby County, Alabama. Madison County is located in the heart of the Tennessee Valley. Our neighbor to the north is Tennessee. We are approximately a 100 miles directly south of Nashville. To the west and east, we are equal distance from Mississippi and Georgia. The county includes 806 square miles ranging from the southern most ridges of the Appalachians to the Tennessee River. If you are unfamiliar with our County, a simple map is included to help you orient yourself. Demographics about the county are also available, along with a brief county history.

The governing body of the county, an elected board, was developed from an administrative court established by law in 1821, shortly after Alabama's admission into the Union (1819). The act of 1821 provided for the election of four commissioners of roads and revenue, to serve one year terms. Any two of the commissioners, together with the judge of the county court, constituted a "court" to levy the county tax, establish, maintain, and discontinue county roads, bridges, and ferries. Terms of office were later expanded to four years and the county governing body designated as the "county commission."

Since 1988, the County Commission has been composed of seven members. The Chairman is elected at-large (elected by voters from the entire County). Six Commissioners are elected by voters in each of the County's six districts. All serve four year terms.

The County Commission Chairman is Mike Gillespie.

The County Commissioners are:


Pictured from left to right:
back row - Commissioner Phil Riddick, Commissioner Jerry Craig, Commissioner Roger Jones, Commissioner Robert (Bob) Harrison
front row - Commissioner Faye Dyer, Chairman Mike Gillespie, Commissioner Dale Strong

An Organization Chart can show you the various governments operating in Madison County. You can also find current budget information about Madison County programs.

Municipalities
The incorporated cities and towns enact many of their own laws. The incorporated cities are Huntsville, Madison, New Hope, Gurley, Owens Cross Roads, and Triana.