Reorganization Remarks

:We now propose to increase Zionsville from 12 square miles to 50 square miles. This is a noble and appropriate goal. In essence, it is a proposed "marriage" between Eagle Township, Union Township, and the Town of Zionsville. With that in mind, I am reminded of the advice of Benjamin Franklin, who once remarked, "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage; afterwards, half-shut."

Well, the "marriage" has not yet occurred, and so this Town Council is compelled to keep its eyes wide open. What do we see?

Do Eagle and Union bring a dowry to Zionsville? Far from it.

As I read this proposal for consolidation, rather than charge a premium to those who now want full use of the Zionsville "brand," we are poised to do the opposite.

We are giving a tax break, a discount, for the Township "rural" citizens, with the burden of this being imposed on citizens of the Town proper. This amounts to a de facto huge tax INCREASE for the current citizens of Zionsville, as there will be little real difference in the level of service, and I guarantee Township "rural" citizens will expect the full rights of Zionsville citizenship. While I am willing to bear this burden during a fixed duration of time for integration, five years, that is all I am willing to bear, and I think it is all that should be asked of the good citizens of Zionsville in the name of the larger community.

Perpetual two-tier service levels are artificial, unnatural, and unfair to all concerned. There is no certainty it will be approved by the state, and not clear how it will work, if at all, with the property tax circuit breaker recently passed by the state legislature.

Moreover, I see no incentive or obligation for rural areas to join the Town. Instead, I see the Town citizens being asked to carry the burden of this new structure forever.

It is no surprise to me that the Town's executive staff have generally voiced opposition to the current plan. Their reluctance to so state publicly reflects their unwillingness to offend anyone (and perhaps risk their jobs) as well as their outstanding collective character to try and do any job set before them.

Many will say: let the people decide—this is democracy. However, we are in leadership positions, and we must act as leaders. It would be an abdication of our role to present before the voters a plan which we ourselves can neither support nor recommend.

Ben Franklin also said that we know the real value of water when the well is dry. Once this consolidation is done, it cannot be undone.

Without the simple amendment I have proposed, adding a five year cap on two-tier status, I am obligated respectfully to vote against this plan of reorganization.

 David J. Carr

A letter from Dick Crane:

July 18, 2008 

ZIONSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL
c/o John Yeo, Clerk/Treasurer
1100 West Oak St.Zionsville, IN  46077

SUBJECT:  government consolidation

 The government consolidation ordinance, while proposed for a reasonable future benefit, contains a condition that is very unfair to the citizens of Zionsville.

 The enabling ordinance specifies that subdivisions that are not served by water and sewer (on well and septic) shall go to the higher tier tax and service only if they choose to do so voluntarily.  The clear intent is that these developments will stay outside the Town district so long as they do not volunteer.  There are several developments in Eagle and Union Townships that meet this definition.  Also, there are areas already in the Town that do not have sewer and water.

 Water and sewer have nothing to do with property taxes, and should not be a criteria in establishing the level of police protection, which is the only service under discussion that impacts property tax.  The permanent exemption of these specific developments, which are not rural, gives them a free ride at the expense of the other taxpayers.  It may open the Town to future lawsuits.  It is unwarranted and irresponsible.

Richard Crane
(Former Town Council President)