Questions: “If Merger Happens”

The following questions were submitted in advance to the Planning and Land Use subcommittee but were not all addressed. Please understand that the responses listed below the questions are mine, not necessarily fact but at a minimum well thought out opinion. If you disagree we welcome your comments, thoughts of especially factual answers.

1)   What taxes we now pay will be eliminated?

Personally I am not aware of any tax that has ever been eliminated; I believe we are still paying taxes for the Hoosier Dome that last time I drove by was a giant pile of ruble.

2)  Who will provide electricity to the area now served by REMC?

Utilities as school districts, fire departments and postal addresses are separate from city limits. Currently I have Bargersville Water, Greenwood Sewer, which they pay Indianapolis to process and Johnson County REMC, which they pay Duke Energy to provide.

3)   Will Greenwood be able to clear snow from over 50 miles of roads, which does not include subdivisions?

I don’t think the county does such a great job now but it is a good question. Sure they can, how much it will cost is the answer. My fear is they will buy a bunch of new trucks, there are other options. See Lower Cost Government here

4)  Will roads around Center Grove Schools be a priority snow removal?

As someone who lives on Stones Crossing Road it doesn’t appear to be one now so any change can’t be worse than what we have.

5)  How much money will be available for road maintenance from the state/federal government if the amount is based on population versus road miles?

Someone out there has a spreadsheet for that, please share it.

6)  What happens to the fire departments?

Fire departments are separate from local government so nothing would have to happen, however at Thursday’s meeting it was announced that a merger of Greenwood and White River Township is be explored.

7)  How can the southern 1/3 of the township be fairly represented?

The committee outlined an interesting option at Thursday’s meeting.

8)  What advantages will we have?

That is the question that will make or break the reorganization effort. If more than 50% of the people don’t see “What’s in it for me?” the effort will be voted down.

9)  Will the Greenwood police be able to make a timely response to people in Banta?

Chief Pitcher, your response please, or ask him yourself: pitcherj@greenwood.in.gov

10) Will farm animals be allowed in city limits?

Based on the proposal presented tonight I’d say yes, but I am not a politician or veterinarian.

11)  What amenities will the approximately 800 acres in WRT on the Westside of White River receive?

I have no idea.

12)  Will Independence Park remain a county park or will Greenwood take it over?

My understanding is it will become a city park, but I may be wrong.

13)  What will happen to the areas now served by the Bargersville Water Company?

You will still get water but it is possible that you could pay a higher rate since you are not a resident of Bargersville and the water company is a municipal utility.

14)  Who will maintain the small cemeteries in the area?

Not sure, that is an issue even without reorganization should the state decides to eliminate all township government the question would remain, since this is one of the specific duties of the township.

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