Paul Ricketts

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The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

Paul Ricketts
[Lawrence Township Assessor]

Does consolidation of local government, as proposed in Mayor Peterson’s plan Indianapolis Works, necessarily mean a more efficient and responsive government? Does it place a larger financial burden on some taxpayers and not on others? The average population for each township in Marion County is approximately 80,000-90,000. Are the citizens better served by having one local representative per 80,000-90,000 people, or is their representation diluted by being one citizen out of 800,000 when choosing their local officials?

There is no doubt that the Mayor, the Council, and we as citizens are facing a financial crisis in regards to our police and fire pensions. It is a responsibility that we must meet, in a fair and equitable manner, based on all the facts that are available to us. No one likes to pay taxes, but most people are satisfied if they know they are paying only their fair share.

That is the question regarding the proposed plan. It is easy to estimate savings, but there has never been any concrete proof, in writing, that this plan will save the projected $35 million. If there is a blueprint denoting the savings per area of this proposal, it should be public record to be shared with the taxpayers. If the savings in the proposal are based on reduction of work force for the police and fire public safety areas, what are those actual numbers? Who will lose their job? Does the plan require that certain fire stations are closed? If so, where? Will the equipment currently positioned in the township fire departments be reassigned to former IFD stations? The plan states that the equipment in the townships is not fully utilized to its maximum capacity.

Will there be a tax increase for the townships citizens that will be annexed to this new public safety coverage area? Will there be a tax increase for all citizens in Marion County based on the pension deficits? Will there be tax increases even if the plan is adopted? To paraphrase a famous line from the movie Jerry Maquire, “Show me (us) the money (facts)”. The citizens of Marion County are intelligent and thoughtful. Treat them like adults and share the specifics of the plan and our financial crisis. The plan was crafted in secrecy, and local officials who represent the citizens were excluded from the discussions. Everyone should have had a chance to work on this plan. Together, we can continue to make Indianapolis a First Class City.