| abandoned cemeteries; maintaining and erecting partition
fences between properties; serving as fire chief in unincorporated
areas; maintaining libraries; and operating the Justice of
the Peace courts.
TODAY
Township government today has changed in many
respects. Township trustees no longer control the schools
or maintain roads and bridges. The trustee’s responsibilities
for libraries and elections have been substantially reduced,
although some responsibilities still remain. The Justice
of the Peace courts have been replaced with Small Claims
Courts in Marion County, which still function as a part
of township government. Township government still provides
fire protection and emergency medical services; maintains
cemeteries; assists persons in financial distress; collects
the dog tax and pays claims for livestock kills and rabies
treatment; maintains partition fences; provides parks and
recreation; and controls noxious weeds. Township government
has also assumed the responsibility for assessing property
taxation through the trustees in smaller townships and elected
assessors in larger townships.
Throughout its existence, township government has remained
close to the people it serves. It is the only form of government
in Indiana where a citizen has the statutory right to speak
at any public meeting of the legislative body on any matter
to be considered by that body.
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