TOWNSHIP GOVT

Each Indiana county is split into townships. Bartholomew County has 12 townships. Much of the city of Columbus is within Columbus Township, which contains roughly 60 percent of the county’s population. Townships are administered by trustees, who are elected to four-year terms.

Duties

State law requires the township trustee to perform many duties. In general, the main ones are:

*Providing poor relief.

*Providing fire protection.

*Maintaining certain cemeteries.

Township Board

The trustee is assisted by a three-member Township Board, whose members are also elected to four-year terms. Duties of the board include adopting the annual budget, serving as a board of finance and approving township contracts. In January of each year, the trustee presents to the board an annual report showing the receipts, expenditures, investments and debts of the township. The approved report is then published in local papers for public inspection.

Columbus Township Trustee’s Office

Website: https://columbustownshiptrustee.com/

Address: 1333 Washington Street, Columbus, IN, 47202

Phone: 812-372-8249

Trustee: Kriston (Kris) Weisner (Republican)

Board members: Michael Shireman (Republican), Lloyd Miller (Republican), R. D. Hollenbeck (Republican)

Services:

Homeless Shelter: Short-term assistance and referrals to safe shelter, case management, and local resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Micro note: Contact the Trustee’s Office for availability and eligibility.

Cemeteries: Preserving and maintaining nine township cemeteries with dignity and care. Detail: Columbus Township is responsible for the upkeep of abandoned cemeteries, ensuring these sacred grounds remain well-maintained, respected, and a lasting tribute to past generations. The Trustee’s Office also provides financial assistance for cremations and burials to support families during times of loss.

Columbus Township Fire & Rescue: The department is devoted to safeguarding the community with rapid emergency response, fire prevention programs, and rescue services. It is a 24/7 fire department with 12 full-time and 14 PRN employees serving Columbus Township. More info: https://columbustwpfirerescue.org/