(INDIANAPOLIS) - Hundreds of Indiana's township governments could be required to merge under legislation that has cleared the General Assembly and now heads to Gov. Mike Braun.
Senate Bill 270 targets townships with low performance scores, requiring them to consolidate with neighboring townships or certain cities in an effort supporters say will improve efficiency in local government.
Bill author Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, said the measure is not intended to eliminate township government but to strengthen it by addressing underperforming units. Indiana has roughly 1,000 townships, and about 325 could potentially face mergers.
Townships play a key role in providing emergency financial assistance to low-income residents and, in some cases, operate fire departments, parks and cemeteries. Supporters argue consolidation could reduce duplication and administrative costs, while critics warn it could weaken services in rural communities.
Some lawmakers voiced concern about unanswered questions, including how mergers might affect volunteer fire departments and local response times.
Efforts to overhaul Indiana's township system -- which dates back to the 1800s -- have failed repeatedly over the past two decades, making this the most significant restructuring proposal to reach the governor's desk in years.
If signed into law, the plan would use a points-based evaluation system that considers factors such as emergency aid programs, public safety services, financial reporting compliance and voter participation in township elections.