The push to scale back or eliminate township government is still kicking, though the window of opportunity for action is coming to a close.
The Indiana House and Senate each passed versions of bills dealing with township government but the sides haven't reconciled their proposals, according to Mark Lawrance, senior vice president at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, which favors doing away with townships. Such negotiations can occur behind the scenes and it's not completely clear if something will emerge before March 5, when lawmakers hope to end this year's legislative session.
The possibility remains, though, and among the key provisions up for consideration is elimination of township boards. Those are the three-person, elected bodies that approve township budgets and serve as a check to township trustees, the top post in township government.
Under the proposed scheme, board duties would be transferred to the respective county councils.
"Sure it's possible," Lawrance said, handicapping the possibility of township reform before lawmakers adjourn. "Whether something happens, that's up to negotiators."
Likewise, Debbie Driskell, executive director of the Indiana Township Association and a backer of township government, is attentive to any movement on the issue in coming days. The committee meetings at which reconciliation occurs can sometimes happen with just two hour's notice, she noted.
Elimination of townships has been an on-and-off issue in Indiana over the years. Lawmakers took a step toward dismantling of the governmental unit in 2008, when they eliminated most township assessor posts and transferred their duties to county assessors.
Another proposal put forth this year calls for township-by-township referendums next November on whether the unit ought to be maintained or dissolved. That possibility -- like the proposal to eliminate township boards -- also remains alive as the legislative session winds down.
Township backers say the governmental unit allows for better delivery of government serves and better, more accountable representation. Among the key township duties are provision of poor relief and fire protection.
Critics say townships -- 16 in Elkhart County and 1,006 statewide -- are an archaic remnant of the past and that their duties could be better handled at the county level.
Aside from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Coalition on Human Services has come out in favor of township reform, notably a shift in the handling of poor relief to the county level. The coalition represents groups that provide services to children, the aging, the poor and those with disabilities, among others.