1/30/2006
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Mayor urges Senate to keep Indy Works, fire compromise moving this week
Compromise amendment to be offered during second readings this week
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson today urged the Indiana Senate to pass a compromise on Indianapolis Works ‘06, the government reform plan that will provide more effective and efficient services to the people of Indianapolis.
The Senate will likely vote this week during second readings on whether to keep Senate Bill 1 moving. Sen. Billie Breaux of Indianapolis is expected to propose a compromise which accomplishes much of Indy Works, including merging township fire departments, but allows township trustees to keep some responsibilities.
"There are many more open minds at the Statehouse on Indy Works than last year, so I’m hoping the spirit of compromise will win the day," Mayor Peterson said.
Peterson’s original 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 nine elected township tax assessors into the County Assessor’s office.
However, the Mayor has since proposed a compromise, 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 give guidance on how to best serve taxpayers throughout the county after consolidation; and
• Form 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.
He testified before a Senate Committee last week on the compromise amendment. By law, the Indiana General Assembly must approve these measures before they can occur.
"I urge all Indianapolis residents who believe in better services and more efficient government to call their state senator and ask them to support this compromise," Mayor Peterson added.
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