Panel OKs bill to eliminate Indiana township boards

Township boards would be eliminated in Indiana and their local government duties would be transferred to the county level
if a Statehouse proposal becomes law.

The Senate’s local government committee voted 7-4 for the bill, which also
would prohibit township trustees’ relatives from getting contracts with the township. Republicans on the committee voted for
the bill, while Democrats opposed it.

The bill is among several measures that would consolidate township government.
The Indiana House is working on a bill that would let voters decide in November whether to eliminate their township trustees
and boards.

Critics say township government is antiquated and expensive, while supporters say it’s the form of
government closest to the people.