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.








