Meeting Report · Ellettsville Town Council
Council votes to explore reorganization with Richland Township.
The exploration aims to protect public services and create a more efficient government structure.
This summary was built from the meeting video and the official documents.
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Key Highlights
- 01Council votes to explore reorganization with Richland Township.
- 02Council creates a non-reverting vehicle replacement fund for Stormwater Utility.
- 03All meetings for the reorganization exploration will be public.
- 04Town Manager praised departments for quick water main repair.
- 05Santa on Sale Street event is set for December 13.
Written for residents
Summary
The exploration aims to protect public services and create a more efficient government structure.
The Council voted 4-1 to enter into an agreement to explore a proposal for reorganization with Richland Township. This process would formally reorganize the two entities into a single governmental unit. Town Manager Michael Farmer explained that recent state tax law changes and discussions about eliminating township governments are driving this proactive step. The exploration will involve a reorganization committee and subcommittees to form a plan, which would then be voted on by the Township advisory board and the Town Council. If approved, the plan would proceed to a referendum for all township residents in November 2026, with the new entity forming on January 1, 2027. Council member Dan Swafford moved to amend the motion, requiring all meetings pertaining to this subject to be public so all council members could attend, which passed unanimously. The original motion then passed with Scott Oldham voting no.
The Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-25, creating a separate vehicle replacement fund for the Stormwater Utility. Kip Headdy, Street Commissioner, explained this would be a non-reverting fund. It will be funded by a portion of Stormwater fees to save for future vehicle purchases.
Michael Farmer announced the Santa on Sale Street event will take place on Saturday, December 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Santa will arrive on a fire truck around 9:30 a.m., with breakfast, crafts, and letter writing to the North Pole available.
Michael Farmer commended the Police, Fire, and Department of Public Works for their efficient and collaborative repair of a 12-inch water main during a recent town outage. He noted the quick response and successful resolution of the issue.
Council President Scott Oldham congratulated Mr. Wells and the Edgewood Marching Mustangs for winning their fourth consecutive State finals. William Ellis thanked Michael Farmer and the Richland Township board for exploring the consolidation, calling it a historic undertaking.
The Receipts
Fiscal Decisions
Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll
Motion to approve the payment of Accounts Payable Vouchers and Payroll.
Ordinance 2025-25 Creating a Separate Vehicle Replacement Fund for the Stormwater Utility
Approval of Ordinance 2025-25 on its second reading, establishing a non-reverting fund for vehicle replacement within the Stormwater Utility, to be funded by a portion of Stormwater fees.
Motion to enter into an agreement to look at the facts for reorganization with the Township of Richland and start the process to form committees
This motion initiates the process of exploring a formal reorganization between Ellettsville and Richland Township, including forming committees. An amendment was approved to ensure all meetings pertaining to this subject would be public so all council members could attend.