Washington Township, Avon consider consolidation

AVON, Ind. (WISH) - Washington Township officials are considering consolidating with the town of Avon, 24-Hour News 8 news partner the Hendricks County Flyer reports .

A study committee presented the plan at a public meeting last week in Avon, after a year of consideration.

"We think reorganization will eliminate the potential of other governmental entities around Washington Township annexing our properties," Matt Bailey, chairman of the subcommittee on planning and zoning, told the newspaper. "By working together we'll have a strategic vision for maximizing Washington Township."

Among the details in the proposal:

• Avon Police Department would continue to police the town, while the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department would continue to police what is now the township.
• Avon's population would grow to nearly 40,000 - making it the largest city in Hendricks County.
• The Washington Township trustee position would be eliminated.

The Town Council and Township Board now have a year to consider the plan. If both approve, voters would see it on the November 2014 ballot. If voters approve the proposal, consolidation would go into effect Jan. 1, 2015.

A copy of the reorganization plan is available on Avon's website at AvonGov.org .