Nine of 11 townships in Howard County are moving forward with a study to consider consolidation of township government.
Township representatives met for a second time Monday. The boards of Honey Creek and Monroe townships did not participate in the study that could produce a recommendation on consolidation.
Those in attendance agreed to adopt a mission statement indicating they are working together to study the different options for consolidation or restructuring of township government to provide services in an efficient and lawful manner.
Attorney Steve Buschmann, who represents the Indiana Township Association, said a township could vote to go forward or opt out of the recommendation once the study is completed.
He said this is a legislative process and the township trustees have no role in the study.
“This is the first county in Indiana where the townships are discussing consolidation,” Buschmann said. “More people are looking at what makes sense for a community. This is a unique way to redesign what already works in the community.”
He said the study group is created under state law and the next opportunity for residents to vote on a proposed consolidation would be in November 2012. Buschmann said an effective date for any consolidation would be a part of the recommendation from the study group.
The study group will develop a budget to cover legal expenses and for supplies. Each township will pay a percentage of the costs based on population.
Center Township Trustee Jean Lushin said options being considered for consolidation include:
• Boundaries based on school districts, which would create five township units of government.
• A proposal to create three districts in the central, eastern and western parts of the county; or two or more townships that share a boundary could consolidate.
Buschmann said all participating townships would have to vote for adoption once a recommendation is made. He said if one township voted against the recommendation, the remaining townships could create another study committee to move forward.
He said the study committee has one year to make a recommendation.
The committee will meet the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Center Township offices. The meetings are open to the public.