You are doing a good work. I am also experiencing the same error with D7..

if ($count > 0) {
$column = '1';
if (($count > $desired_rows ) && ($count <= ($desired_rows*2) ) {
$column = '2';
}
elseif ($count > ($desired_rows*2 ) {
$column = '3';
}

thanks for your help in advance!