RUSSIAVILLE — One of the entities asked to consider joining a committee tasked with consolidating government has jumped on board.
Monday, the Russiaville Town Council approved a resolution adopted by Howard County commissioners to create the committee under the state’s Government Modernization Act.
The board’s action gives the town a seat at the table and a say in what the committee recommends.
Attention now turns to Greentown, where the town council was also invited to participate in the committee.
A month ago — one year after the Kokomo Common Council passed a resolution asking the county to participate — commissioners passed an amended resolution to include the two towns.
At the time when the city originally passed its resolution, the commissioners created the Citizens Committee for Consolidation, which had three representatives each from Howard County, Kokomo, Russiaville and Greentown.
If the county’s amended resolution is approved by all involved, a new committee will be formed. Its make-up has not yet been determined, but it would have a minimum of 12 members, with three from each entity involved.
There have been discussions about establishing a committee based on population, which would give Kokomo the most members on a committee.
Once formed, the committee has one year to make a recommendation on government consolidation to the participating entities.
From there, the recommendation could be adopted, rejected or modified. Local residents must approve any changes through a referendum vote.
Commissioner Paul Wyman said the commissioners’ goal was to get a prompt response from Russiaville and Greentown.
“Once we know who is participating, we can meet to determine the number on the committee, make-up and set a budget,” he said.
Wyman said he was glad Russiaville is on board.
“It shows their dedication to the process and a recognition of the current economic conditions,” he said.
Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight said he will wait to see what action Greentown takes before bringing the amended resolution before city council.
Goodnight said he has not yet studied the amended resolution nor has he discussed it with council members.
Joyce Higginbottom, president of the Greentown Town Council, said she forwarded the information to board members.
“I don’t know if it will be considered at the next board meeting,” she said. “If it comes up, we will discuss it.”
Higginbottom said the decision rests with the four other council members because as president, she is not required to vote.
“If it’s a tie, I’ll have to think about what to do,” she said.
The Greentown Town Council next meets at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Town Hall.