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Reorganization Process
When conversations about consolidation or reorganization come into play, some become concerned or weary about how it might affect them. Additionally, having extremely opinionated and incorrect information spread online can increase panic. Therefore the Town of Avon has created this page on our website. We wish to transparently share what the process looks like, offer an FAQ, and provide a place for you to submit consolidation/reorganization questions in one easy place. Please note that a petition for consolidation/reorganization can take two potential tracks. The track is determined by where the signatures were collected... out of Town vs. In Town. Below you will see if Town Voters initiate the consolidation/reorganization process.
The process, outlined below, is based on Indiana Code 36-1.5-4, which can be referenced online by visiting http://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2022/ic/titles/036#36-1.5
Updated November 22nd, 2022 - Washington Township voted to deny the request from the Town and the request from the unincorporated residents to pursue conversations, which would include a financial study. They voted to deny this to allow them to create their own resolution. This newly formed resolution will be heard at the December 15th, 2022 Washington Township Board meeting. A copy of their denial can be found by clicking the following link. Washington Township Resolution 112222-01 (PDF)
Updated August 12th, 2022 - We are currently on step 5 of the outline below. If you would like to have a better understanding of the Town's 'Why', please feel free to watch the voting on the resolution that happened at the August 11th, 2022 meeting. The YouTube video should start at the exact moment they speak about it, but if it doesn't, the time mark is 59:05. We have placed the video below for your convenience.
Town Voter Initiated Consolidation Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | IF at least 5% of voters file a petition requesting that the Town of Avon consider consolidation, the Town submits the petition to the County Voter Registration office for certification. |
| 2 | The County Voter Registration Office certifies accuracy of 5% and certifies it to the Town. |
| 3 | The Town Council must publish Notice of a Public Hearing at least 5 days prior, to provide a Public Hearing on the petition. |
| 4 | The Council votes on a Resolution proposing consolidation (within 30 days of the Public Hearing). |
| 5 | The Town certifies Resolution to the Township. |
| 6 | The Township must consider Resolution to Reorganize. |
| If the Township fails to approve a resolution to participate in consolidation, the process terminates. | |
| If the Township approves participation in consolidation, continue to STEP 7. | |
7 |
The Township certifies the Resolution to the Town Council. |
| 8 | The Township and the Town Council work together in order to prepare a plan. This plan establishes the voter threshold (not less than 50% but not more than 55%) for approval as a public question on the ballot. The plan must include a Financial Impact Study. |
| 9 | The Town and the Township submit the Financial Impact Study to the DLGF for approval. |
| 10 | The Town Council and the Township must consider, after a public hearing, the Plan. |
| 11 | The Town Council and the Township will certify the Resolution to adopt or deny the Plan to each other, the Auditor, and the Recorder. The process terminates if either the Town or Township fails to adopt the Reorganization Plan. |
| 12 | If the Town and the Township approve the Plan, the Town, and Township work together to draft and agree upon the language of the public question. |
| 13 | Voters cast votes on public questions. If yes, then the Plan must be implemented. If no, then the process is terminated. |
| 14 | Implement Plan. |
| NOTE | If the Town, or Township, fails to approve the Plan or fails to act within one year, voters constituting 10% of all voters can petition the Circuit Court to initiate a referendum on the ballot. |
- Why would someone want to Annex into the Town of Avon?
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Annexation enables Avon residents to manage future growth in the area that will directly impact the Avon community in issues such as schools, housing quality, roads, and economic development.
- Will I pay more taxes?
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Residential properties with a Gross Assessed Value of $93,500 or more will not pay more taxes for one acre of the property, which includes the home because they are at the 1% property tax cap. Portions of residential property in the area greater than the one-acre will be at the 3% property tax cap and may pay an additional amount. Properties assessed by the County Assessor in the agricultural category are already at the 2% property tax cap and will not pay more taxes unless there is a portion in the 3% property tax cap category.
- What are the steps for annexation?
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The Town Council introduces an annexation ordinance, adopts a fiscal plan for the annexation, notifies property owners of the public hearing, holds the public hearing, considers changes to the ordinance based on public comment, and votes on the final adoption of the annexation ordinance.
- What services will the Town provide?
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Some of the services include:
- Police protection: Avon Police Department
- Snow removal and road maintenance: Avon Public Works
- Plan review and approval: Avon Planning and Building
- Building permit review and approval: Avon Planning and Building
- The Washington Township/Avon Fire Department will continue to provide fire protection. Police and Fire have mutual aid agreements with surrounding agencies to assist when necessary.
- Residents receive an annual $50 programming discount at the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA. Membership is not required to receive the discount.
- Does the Town provide trash collection?
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No. Trash collection is a private service.
- Does the Town charge any fees?
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Yes, for stormwater, permits, and police reports. Some of the permits are gun permits, alarm permits, and planning/ building permits. The stormwater fee for residential property is $6 per month and replaces the legal drain fee. Chapter 4, Article 12 of the Town Code lists the fees of the Town. It is online at www.avongov.org.
- Can I serve on a Board or Commission?
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Yes. Residents will be able to serve on Town Boards and Commissions, run for elected office, and vote for the Town Council, Town Judge, and Clerk-Treasurer.
- Who governs the Town?
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The Town Council is responsible for governing the Town.
The current list of Council Members can be found at www.avongov.gov/towncouncil
- Will the zip code change?
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No. The zip code is determined by the United States Postal Service and is not related to Town boundaries. In the past, the Town has had discussions with the United States Postal Service about having an Avon zip code for additional areas but this is unrelated to annexation.
- Will the Town require my home to connect to water or sewer lines?
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No. Water and sewer services are provided by other entities that are not part of the Town government.
- How will the town afford/prepare for the increased need for salting, plowing, etc. in the winter?
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The Town currently contracts our snow removal services. We have seven single-axle trucks and between 23-25 pickup trucks to complete snow removal services. The Town, in cooperation with our contractor, could very quickly and easily add additional resources if needed because of reorganization or annexation. It would be much more difficult if we utilized our own staff and had to buy equipment and hire more people. In terms of cost, the Town would receive additional resources to pay for snow removal services if reorganization or annexation occurs.