Township Consolidation

Voters to Make the Decision
   Eleven residents of Liberty, Union, and Jackson Townships, in addition to Jean Lushin, Center Township Trustee and William Huff, attorney for Center Township, plus a resident of Clay Township attended a public hearing on May 9, 2012 in the Greentown Library Community Room.  Jackson Township Trustee, Greg Kingseed, stated that the meeting was to inform the community about the potential consolidation of the three eastern Howard County townships.

BACKGROUND:
In response to the Government Modernization Act, (Indiana Code 36-1.5) a Township Consolidation Study Group (TCSG) was formed in Howard County. The code authorizes political subdivisions to reorganize or consolidate in an effort to operate more efficiently and cooperatively and where possible to achieve a tax savings.  Nine of the eleven Howard County townships, including trustees of Liberty, Jackson and Union, chose to participate, with Honey Creek and Monroe choosing not to.  After many meetings and study, the TCSG determined that the most effective and efficient approach would be to consolidate by school districts.  Liberty, Union, and Jackson Townships would be consolidated into a single township named Eastern Township. A resolution was prepared by which each township could request that a referendum on the question of township consolidation be placed on the November 2012 ballot.
   As of June 1, the Advisory Board of Liberty Township has signed the resolution and it has been delivered to the County Clerk.  The boards of Union and Jackson Townships have yet to act.   

EDITORIAL COMMENT:
If the question will be on the ballot, we recommend informational meetings be planned to discuss the subject.