By far the largest single group of elected officials in Indiana, township trustees govern 1,008 townships covering every part of the state. Like most elected officials, the township trustee serves a four-year term. Many township trustees work at their jobs in addition to serving their constituents. Assisting the township trustee in managing this very localized form of government is a three-member township board (except Marion County who must have 5 member boards). Among its duties are the adoption of the annual budget, serving as a board of finance, and approving township contracts.
Indiana law requires that the township trustees provide essential services to the residents and businesses of the township. Because of its “grassroots” structure, the township trustee system is designed specifically to quickly meet the needs of the individual in an emergency.
Fire Protection
Township Trustees are, by Indiana law (IC-36-8-13), charged with the responsibility of providing fire protection and ambulance service for the areas of the township not incorporated into a city or town. The protection can be provided by operating a township fire department (IC36-8). Currently, Decatur Township operates its own fire department that includes fire protection and emergency medical services.
Township Assistance
Administering and distributing township assistance, to township residents is a primary duty of the township trustee (IC-12-20-5-1). The trustee is charged to care for individuals by the most economical means available and at the same time ensure that the necessary needs of an individual or family are met. The applicant must show that they are unable to provide those needs through personal effort and that they have exhausted all other means. The types of assistance provided by the township trustee include rent, utilities, medical, food, and clothing.
Many Trustees creatively cooperate with other agencies and churches in their areas, keeping costs controlled and delivering services needed. The advantage the Trustee’s systems has over other forms of welfare is the freedom to discern whether or not an individual has and is willing to put forth that personal effort to help themselves. (Title 12 of IN Code)
School Clothing
The Trustee may provide school clothing at the beginning of each full academic year. Application must be made during the week of the start of the school year. Application period ends 2 weeks after the first day of school, unless special referral from the school, or other governing body within the Township. School clothing is NOT provided for children attending day care, nursery or pre-schools, Kindergarten or NON-public or private schools. CHILD MUST LIVE IN DECATUR TOWNSHIP AND ATTEND A DECATUR TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOL. Verifications of eligibility for school clothing for each applicant will be needed for assistance.
Cremation or Burial
Burial assistance is available from the Township Trustee when no other means of payment are available. The trustee, according to IC Title 12, is to oversee the burial of the indigent.
Assessing
In townships with a population under 10,000 the trustee is also the Township Assessor and is responsible for assessing the real and personal property within the township.
Personal property is assessed yearly and consists of mobile homes and tangible personal property of an individual, business, or farm. Real property is assessed during a reassessment period with new buildings being added yearly.
Financials
Each year, the trustee prepares and submits a budget for the incoming year to the township Board for approval. As the Chief Financial Officer of the township, the trustee pays and records all claims for the township expenses and salaries as well as being responsible to keep accurate records and follow all the financial guidelines set out in Indiana Code.
In January of each year, the trustee presents to the board an annual report which shows all receipts, expenditures, investments and debts. The approved report is then published in local papers for public inspection.
Cemetery Maintenance
According to IC Code 23-14 the trustee is to provide and maintain abandoned cemeteries located in the township.
Weed Control
IC15-3-4 charges the trustee with destroying detrimental weeds within their township. Guidelines for notification to the property owner are set within the Indiana Code.
Fence Disputes
When a dispute arises between two landowners regarding placement and maintenance of line fences, the trustee is to make determination according to Indiana Code 32-10-9.
Livestock Claims
If livestock is killed or damaged by unknown dog(s), the owner of the livestock may file a report with the Trustee who investigates the claim. If valid, the trustee reimburses the owner for the loss from the dog fund which receives moneys from the dog tags sold each year by the trustee and assessor within the township.
Miscellaneous Duties
There are other areas of responsibility for trustees that are not widespread. Those include:
- Zoning & Planning
- Parks and Recreation
- Small Claims Court
- Emergency Medical Service
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Shelters