STATEHOUSE (Jan. 12, 2010) - Legislation authored by Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) aimed at streamlining local government services in Marion County will be heard tomorrow, Jan. 13, in the Senate Committee on Local Government.

"Lawmakers need to focus on providing local units of government the opportunity to streamline and reduce the cost of local services," Merritt said. If enacted, this legislation will eliminate waste, improve efficiencies and reduce the burden of property taxes on my constituents."

In writing Senate Bill 225, Merritt examined ideas and suggestions from people closest to local government including current and past township trustees, constables, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.

Merritt said SB 225 will provide residents of Marion County improved services at a lesser cost by:

• Consolidating all township fire department with the Indianapolis Fire Department;
• Eliminating township trustees and township boards;
• Transferring cemetery maintenance, weed control and parks and recreation from the township level to the county level;
• Transferring township assistance duties from township to the Health and Hospital Corporation; and
  Requiring new Indianapolis police officers and firefighters to reside in Marion County.

SB 225 provides township taxpayers with some protection by setting a maximum levy the county can charge for fire services and requires a uniformed fire levy for all Marion County residents by 2019.

Merritt said the Senate Committee on Local Government is scheduled to meet Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Chambers.

Sen. Merritt represents Senate District 31, which includes a portions of Marion County.

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