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Annual Educational Conference Chairs Request Help |
The ITA Educational Conference is held each fall of the year in Indianapolis. The 2012 event is scheduled for September 23-26 at the Sheraton at Keystone Crossing.
Conference Chairs Kay Walker and Steve Anderson are already making plans for another successful event. But they need your help!
“We really need people to keep an eye out for trustees, board members, employees and townships which are moving in the right direction - providing excellent services above and beyond the call of duty," said Anderson. “We are hopeful that those people will be then nominated by their peers for one of the ITA awards.” |
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From the Executive Director |
“You had best clean up your act” is the message we walked away with on January 24th following the meeting of the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee meeting, Chaired by Representative Kevin Mahan.
The good news of that day, which fell during the ITA annual Convention and Legislative Conference, was the Chair pulled HB 1254 (Foley) which was scheduled for a hearing that morning. The bill would have drastically overhauled township government.
As Chairman Mahan announced he was pulling the onerous bill, he spoke directly to me, as a representative of yours, and stated that if we - and I paraphrase - didn’t get our act together, the Legislature was going to have to re-visit doing it for us next session! |
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Message from the ITA Legislative Chair |
As we close the chapter on this year’s short session, I again want to thank our key lobby team of Deb Driskell, John Spinks and Matt Norris of the Corydon group for their professional efforts in protecting and preserving Township government. We are very fortunate to have them as our team. You have no idea how many hours they put in for all Trustees around the State.
Many of you have received legislative alerts and the final wrap-up from Deb via email. I also want to thank the supporting legislators who believe in local government and home rule. Lastly, I want to thank the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Assoc and Indiana Fire Chiefs Association for their support and efforts.
It is vital that all Trustees an Township Board members get behind candidates in this year’s election that support local government. Make contact with area legislators and keep them informed about your service to your communities and how your constituents are benefitting from your office. Talk with your fellow trustees in your county to make sure each trustee is following best practices and policies that comply with the Indiana Code. Do not be hesitant to tell people about the importance of the office you hold.
There will be newly elected members in the House and Senate Chambers next year. There will be a new Administration in the Governor’s office and a bi-annual budget to pass. It will be another dynamic and interesting session for all citizens of Indiana. |
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2012 ITA Legislative Wrap-up |
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The 2012 Session of the Indiana General Assembly was not nearly as eventful for the ITA as in years past. As you all know, the last several years have seen a flurry of local government reform efforts wind their way through the legislative process, only to ultimately fail before being enacted into law. Though there were a couple of reorganization bills introduced this year, it was clear from the outset that this issue would not be a focus during this year’s short session. As a result, no local government reorganization bills survived even the first half of session. |
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You won’t find specific legislation, however, the State Board of Accounts has taken a consistent audit position that a township trustee cannot receive compensation, other than his/her salary or other compensation approved by the township board and listed on the Form 17 for performing any of the duties that are assigned to the trustee by virtue of holding office. Those duties include, but are not limited to:
DUTIES OF THE TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
The trustee of the civil township has certain specific duties to perform. Space will not permit a listing of all of the specific duties of a township trustee. Some of the most important and most frequently performed duties are listed herein:
1. Keep a written record of official proceedings (Township Form 14, General Record);
2. Manage all township property interest; |
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When Civil Mergers Don't Save Money |
By Conor Dougherty
Economists who have studied the issue say there are a number of reasons why several small governments can end up costing less than a single larger government. For starters, small governments tend to have fewer professional – and high-paid – employees, such as lawyers. Studies show small governments generally rely more on part-time workers, who receive fewer long-term benefits such as pensions and health-care coverage.
Another reason: When small governments merge, they often “harmonize” services and employee benefits to the highest level among the combining units. In other words, the consolidated city finds it politically expedient to take on the more-expensive version of everything. Employees at the city with lower wages get raises and residents of the city with fewer services get more. |
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ITA Presents Annual Awards |
Trustee of the YearThe “Harold Gene Stoffer” Trustee of the Year award for 2011 was presented to Frank Mrvan, Trustee of North Township, Lake County.
The distinguished award was announced during the ITA’s annual educational conference, held in Indianapolis on September 28th and is “given to a trustee who demonstrates passion and ingenuity for the job of trustee,” according to Executive Director Debbie Driskell. “For that, Frank Mrvan certainly fits the bill” she said.
Trustee Mrvan was selected to receive this honor from his peers for having forged a partnership with the social network in his community to offer services to better prepare children for school, thereby ushering in a nationally accredited program that is accomplishing just that.
When there was a need for a summer recreational program to help low income families, the North Township office became a leader in developing a summer camp program for families who could not afford the higher priced alternatives.
When there was a need to reach out to seniors during the heat of summer and the cold isolation of winter, Trustee Mrvan took the lead in creating phone banks in their offices where volunteers could reach out to assure the wellbeing and safety of those who were isolated by age or temporary emergency.
The award was presented by Craig Beckley (Trustee, Sparta Township, Dearborn County), the 2010 winner. Trustee Beckley said in the presentation to Frank Mrvan, “I am convinced that we as trustees are one of the most important offices of the state because we have the potential to do the most good for the most people. It is the trustees that can best look after the conditions of their fellow Hoosiers and then implement the most grass root solutions to making their communities better and safer places to live.”
“It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you a trustee who has proven that the motto “How can I?” is relevant, workable and has caused his township office to be one of the most sought after stakeholder in the projects in his community.” |
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Please join us today and unite with your fellow trustees to preserve and improve local government.