Trustee's Comments

RETURN OF TAXES - Effective 2012, the taxpayers of Center Township will realize an extra "homestead" credit on their 2012 tax bill. This was made possible by the passage of a resolution, as presented by Trustee Jean Paul Lushin and passed by the township legislative body. The amount to be returned to the Center Township taxpayers is $123,000. Howard County intends to do the same thing.

GOODFELLOWS - Although it was not a record year, the Goodfellow program did assist more than 800 families with new clothing for children ages 0 through 15 years of age. The program was expectted to assist far more families than the 800 plus, but for some unknown reason it did not happen. With unemployement hovering at !0% or higher, we expected a record turnout. Hopefully, the economy is turning around and next year will be even better.
Our corps of volunteers are to be thanked for all they do to make our Howard County children "smile". Remember the Goodfellows "tag line" "Goodfellows make children smile".

HEALTH FAIR - The annual Health Fair was again deemed a success. Center Township is one of the primary sponsors of this annual affair and is proud to report that thousands took advantage of the many different health screening test . As usual, flu vaccine shots were made available for those who wanted to access the service.

We are always thankful for the thousands of hours our volunteers work in helping to make this all important event the success it is. We must also mention and thank all the vendors who filled the booths and who provided significant information on health and fitness. It would not be possible without them. And, finally, the committee who worked tirelessly making all the right decisions at the right time. THANKS !!

LEGISLATION - Legislation being considered in the Indiana General Assembly that may affect townships are many. Several call for the elimination of townshp boards, while others call for the complete elimination of township government. There is currently a whirlwind of activity surrounding changes in local government. Townships are on the receiving end of several prooposals which, if enacted, would severely cripple townships. The Indiana Township Association is working very hard to prevent this from happening, but only time will tell how forceful the opponents of township government are. As near as I can determine, county government does not want the additional work of having to oversee township budgets. Imagine the added workload. It would be like additng, at minimum, six (6) county departments. The county knows very little about the duties and responsibilities of township government, especially the administration of township assistance and fire protection.

HIGHLAND PARK STAGE - Center Township would like to thank the Liz Neilander & Myra Sandburn for their letters commending the township for the renovation of the Highland Park Stage. It was with great pleasure that center township was able and willing to do this on behalf of the citizens of Kokomo and Center Township. The stage looks great and the concerts this year were outstanding.

GAFB COMMUNITY COUNCIL - Center Township Trustee Jean Paul Lushin was elected to a two year term to the Board of Directors of the GAFB Community Council. Mr. Lushin has long been a supporter of the council , and will represent the Kokomo/Howard County Region.

THE BATTLE CONTINUES - The legislature will again address the possibility of eliminating township government. This could have far-reaching consequences. For example, the Goodfellow program, as we know it, could be compromised; the township payee program where over 65 individuals are served by assisting them with the payment of their monthly expenses might ceasee to exist. This is with their money, but handled by the township. Thus, saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars yearly. Hundreds of families who have been serviced by Center Township may now have to discover another source for assistance. So much is at stake and everyone should let their legislator know how they feel about the total elimination of townships.