Legislative Resources

This Legislation, which is the result of a policy debate spanning several decades, is designed to uphold a proven system of local government and enable self-determination by citizens of unincorporated townships.

In fulfilling the legislative intent of HB 40 (2005), this bill responds to the specific, stated, desire of the people within these communities to maintain their current form of local government.

It also allows for stability in the tax base in case of future incorporation, and contains provisions for deliberative and rational annexation which allows for predictable infrastructure planning. 

• Repeals the sunset provision relating to townships
• Creates a dissolution provision that mirrors municipal dissolution
• Universal solution for all townships
• Provides necessary protections to allow for long-term infrastructure planning
• Maintains consistency in providing services
• Protects the future viability of incorporations
• Provides for community preservation and self-determination

• Remain as a township
• Petition to adjust boundaries
• Annex as a whole
• Incorporate
• Dissolve township to allow piecemeal annexation
• Without this bill, the primary option will be piecemeal annexations

In 2005, the State Legislature adopted HB40 which pushed back the repeal date for the County’s townships to 2010.

The legislation stipulated the County and cities create a joint board and work together to pay for and administer a survey of the people living in townships to determine their feelings about their form of government.

The information gathered was to be used to develop a collaborative solution that implemented the will of the residents.

The joint board oversaw selection of survey and education consultants, drafted educational materials and survey questions, and reviewed results prior to public release. 

The inclusion of city Mayors on the board means that communities will have a direct say in the law enforcement of their district.