The Indiana Township Association’s Task Force, created last year for the purpose of analyzing current practices and proposing changes to enhance township government, is still at work. Dubbed “Best Practices for the 21st Century,” the goal of the task force to provide better service to the citizens of Indiana through the efficient use of tax dollars.

At the May task force meeting, the body recommended the formation of two subcommittees. One subcommittee is looking at what changes, if any, can be made to bring more consistency to the delivery of township assistance while maintaining the necessary flexibility to help those that are truly in need. Townships have come under some criticism for having differences in how each unit determines eligibility and how services are rendered.

The other subcommittee was charged with examining all aspects of township boards, including duties, salaries, and meeting structures. Townships boards have become a focal point for reform at the Indiana Statehouse, and the task force has decided to address some of these issues head-on.

Each of these subcommittees have met once and are in the process of developing recommendations to the full task force. Once the subcommittees issue their recommendations, the full task force will have the opportunity to refine and approve these proposals. Any recommendations for language introduced during the 2011 Legislative Session must ultimately be approved by the ITA Board. A listing of Task Force members can be found on page 6 of this issue.