Although the Citizens Committee for Consolidation officially ended its affiliation with Howard County government back in September, the group continues to research consolidation issues.
CCC chairperson Isabella Chism said subcommittees of the group are involved in doing research to raise public awareness for the need for consolidation.
Earlier this month, Howard County Assessor Jamie Shepherd provided CCC members with information concerning the possible financial impact of the city of Kokomo’s annexation.
“We’re following up on some of the recommendations we made,” Chism said. “We are deciding on our focus.”
Chism said no one from the CCC was notified of the action by the county commissioners in September.
“We’re frustrated,” she said. “It would have been wise on their part to inform people.”
Chism said the group wanted to look at annexation costs.
“It’s a financial road map for potential savings to the city and county,” she said.
Chism said several CCC members remain actively involved.
“We’re trying to see the best thing happen for Howard County,” she said.
The commissioners decided to end the official relationship with the CCC after passing a resolution under the state’s Government Modernization Act. The commissioners want to form a new committee with Kokomo and Russiaville, neither of which has considered the resolution.
The Greentown Town Council voted not to participate in the consolidation talks.
Chism hopes some CCC members will be asked to serve on a new committee.
Commissioner Paul Wyman said he was aware the CCC was continuing to meet.
“I certainly think there are folks from the CCC who can assist with the consolidation process,” he said. “It’s always great when citizens get involved in government and lend a hand.”
The CCC is meeting to work on projects they think are important, he said.
The CCC was formed on April 5, 2010, by the commissioners in response to a resolution passed by the Kokomo Common Council to establish a committee under the Government Modernization Act. The committee’s purpose was to consider consolidation of local government services.
Following a recommendation from the CCC, Kokomo and Howard County merged dispatch centers last January. The committee also made recommendations on group purchasing and merging the local tourism organizations, which were not adopted.