Set the “Wayback Machine” to 1989

It’s trite, but if I had a quarter for every time I’ve heard someone say White River Township should have incorporated 20 years ago, I’d finally be in a house with a three-car garage! Everyone seems to want to dwell on “what should have been done.” Well, if there is one thing that I’ve learned in my 15 years as a project manager is that you can not complete a task “last week,” you can only complete tasks either today or in the future. But, when it comes to gaining many of the benefits of incorporation, we may be able to jump in the “Wayback Machine” and gain many of the benefits of incorporating earlier.

"Is there an 1989 setting?"

One of the primary laments is how Greenwood has “stolen” all the good commercial property along 135. Citizens of Center Grove and Smith Valley gain no benefit from the property tax dollars levied against LA Fitness, Meijer, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Mendards, Target or any of the other businesses along this important piece of road. Why? Because they reside within the city limits of Greenwood. Why? Because in many cases they asked to be incorporated. Yes, they requested incorporation into Greenwood. If there is anything that business hate is it uncertainty. Constructing a major business in an unincorporated area such as White River Township leaves too many things to chance. They don’t know when the laws will change or who will change them. If they reside in a city, there is a greater chance that the business environment will be more stable. This allows them to plan and planning improves profits.

So, how do we get into the Wayback Machine, experience 1989 all over again, and gain the tax revenues from these businesses? Reorganize with the city of Greenwood. Before you say “I will never…,” think about it. We would then be part of a new city that is collecting the property taxes from this business. We would have representation on the City Council and the boards that decide how this money is spent. Sure, we would not be able to keep all the money in Center Grove and Smith Valley, it would have to be shared with the rest of the city, but a half-a-loaf is better than none!

I agree. We should have incorporated 20 years ago, but we didn’t and we can’t really go back and do it. So, perhaps we need to settle for the next best thing: Gain at least part of the revenue back through reorganization. As you consider how you might vote in the election scheduled for May of next year, keep the “Wayback Machine” in mind.

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