1/25/2006
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Jo Lynn Garing, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor to testify before Senate on possible Indy Works, fire merger compromise
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson will testify tomorrow before the Indiana Senate Governmental Affairs & Interstate Cooperation Committee on Indianapolis Works ‘06, the government reform plan that will provide more effective and efficient services to the people of Indianapolis.
By state law, the Indiana General Assembly must approve these measures before they can occur.
WHEN: TODAY - Wednesday, January 25; 1 p.m.
WHERE: Indiana Statehouse, Senate Chambers
Peterson’s original Indy Works plan would merge eight township fire departments into the Indianapolis Fire Department, eliminate nine township trustees and boards, in favor of two trustees and boards for delivering poor relief; and merge the nine elected township tax assessors into the existing County Assessor’s office.
However, the Mayor will testify in favor of a compromise amendment, which:
• Still merges the fire departments and township tax assessors;
• Allows the eight trustees to remain in office with some responsibilities, including poor relief;
• Creates a "community resource center transition board," made up of the nine trustees, which will study and make recommendations on how to best serve taxpayers throughout the county after consolidation; and
• Forms a standing "fire advisory commission," made up of the trustees and other appointees, which will advise the new consolidated fire department on fire operations and other issues.
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