What's behind the planned merger of Ellettsville, Richland Township?

from Noon Edition · host Indiana Public Media

Last week, a reorganization committee comprised of members of the town of Ellettsville and Richland Township presented a draft plan on how to merge the two governing bodies into one entity.The two governments began exploring the merger last November. The goals are to help avoid stringent Monroe County zoning codes, give residents a bigger voice in local government and mitigate lost property taxes due to changes in the last state budget.Read more: Draft plan complete for Ellettsville-Richland reorganizationThe draft could receive some pushback from the Town Council, where two members were critical of the selection process for the reorganization committee.Ultimately, the plan will be voted on by residents in November when it will be a referendum on the ballot.Read more: Reorganization subcommittee reportsOn this week’s Noon Edition, we'll talk with Ellettsville and Richland Township leaders about the proposal to merge the two governing bodies into one entity and what it would mean for residents of the town and county.GuestsWilliam Ellis, Ellettsville Town Council, Ward 2Mike Farmer, Ellettsville Town ManagerKevin Farris, Richland Township representative, Reorganization CommitteeJill Thurman, Director, Greater Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce

What this episode covers

Last week, a reorganization committee comprised of members of the town of Ellettsville and Richland Township presented a draft plan on how to merge the two governing bodies into one entity. The two governments began exploring the merger last November. The goals are to help avoid stringent Monroe County zoning codes, give residents a bigger voice in local government and mitigate lost property taxes due to changes in the last state budget. Read more: Draft plan complete for Ellettsville-Richland reorganization The draft could receive some pushback from the Town Council, where two members were critical of the selection process for the reorganization committee. Ultimately, the plan will be voted on by residents in November when it will be a referendum on the ballot. Read more: Reorganization subcommittee reports On this week’s Noon Edition, we'll talk with Ellettsville and Richland Township leaders about the proposal to merge the two governing bodies into one entity and what it would mean for residents of the town and county. Guests William Ellis, Ellettsville Town Council, Ward 2 Mike Farmer, Ellettsville Town Manager Kevin Farris, Richland Township representative, Reorganization Committee Jill Thurman, Director, Greater Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce