Batesville, In. — Despite support from Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma, a bill requiring townships under a population of 1,200 to merge by 2023 has died without a vote. House Bill 1005 would have forced as many as 300 townships to merge with other entities nearby.
“It’s not the first time we’ve had a priority that’s taken more than one session to happen,” Bosma said. “I felt good about this one going in, but clearly people heard from their constituents at home that were concerned about it.”
Local state representative Randy Frye expressed concern because of the transfer of contracts between fire departments, emergency equipment, response time and ongoing relief efforts undertaken by local trustees.
Some lawmakers were also concerned about the possibility of some taxes going up as a result of the consolidation.
Supporters of the bill authored by Batesville Republican, Cindy Zeimke, say the merger plan would reduce costs by consolidating services and eliminating paid positions in small townships. The bill also placed an income cap on township trustees of $7,000 per year.
