An open letter to the WRT Board and Bargersville Town Council

What does White River Township want?

This seems to be the question that keeps coming up be it at “town hall meetings”, articles in the local papers, council and board meetings, discussions with my neighbors and emails from WRT residents and area elected officials. After attending as many meetings as I can on this subject, reading hundreds of emails, taking phone calls on the issue from residents and personally discussing the topic with more residents than I can recall, I believe that the large majority of comments about what WRT is looking for can be summarized in three things:

1. We want a comprehensive solution which keeps the currently unincorporated area united. That means discussing merger with both BV and GW and choosing the one who offers the best, not to be confused with largest, local government option for our residents. Many may want to be our own town but that is not necessarily a very practical or affordable solution at this time.
2. We want to control the costs. We know that it is likely taxes will increase but what can be done to minimize those taxes? Which merger plan will offer the most efficient and effective solution?
3. We don’t want the township divided more than it already is. (This is now redundant.)
4. We definitely don’t want to do nothing and be left an island of homes surrounded by two communities with all the business tax base inside their borders. However, particularly after Monday night’s WRT Board meeting, I think we need to respect those areas that are currently zoned agricultural and provide special taxing districts, similar to what was done in Zionsville. The details can be worked out by the study committee.

I realize that my comments probably won’t solve anything, but it would be nice if one of our WRT elected officials would take these points and use them as a starting point for discussion. I’ve had members of both the WRT Board and Bargersville Town Council, who are addressees to this message, tell me via e-mail they want more discussion. Perhaps that discussion could start before Monday night’s WRT Board meeting and enhance the chance of success, whatever form that may take.

Thanks for listening to my personal opinion and thoughts on this important issue.

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