Richland Township and Town of Ellettsville Explore Proposal to Reorganize
Richland Township and the Town of Ellettsville are exploring a proposal to formally reorganize into a single governmental entity. This proactive step would be a part of a collaborative effort to protect essential public services, preserve local identity, and create a more efficient and sustainable structure for future growth for the entire township.
Why Now?
Recent changes to state tax laws (Senate Bill 1) have placed increased pressure on rural townships and small towns to operate more efficiently with fewer resources. At the same time, there is growing discussion at the state level about eliminating township government altogether. The proposed reorganization allows Richland Township and Ellettsville to take the lead in shaping their shared future rather than reacting to outside decisions.
This proposed reorganization would aim to give everyone—both in Richland Township and Ellettsville—a shared voice to shape the community. Through reorganization, local leaders hope to preserve what makes this area special while working smarter, planning more effectively, and building a stronger, more connected town together.
A Community-Driven Plan
Today, Richland Township covers approximately 39 square miles and is home to more than 15,000 additional residents, while Ellettsville spans 3.5 square miles with a population of around 7,000. The area includes not only rural farmland, but also major employers, educational institutions, and growing residential and commercial zones stretching from West 3rd Street to the Lowe’s corridor on the east side of the township.
Despite the current boundary, the communities are already deeply connected—especially through services like the Ellettsville-Richland Fire Department and Edgewood Schools. But as the state moves to phase out township government and new tax caps (SB1) tighten budgets, local leaders believe now is the time to take charge of the future, find ways to operate efficiently, and develop economically so that future generations will stay and prosper here.
The proposal would preserve the character of rural areas by designating separate rural and urban taxing districts, protecting agricultural land and honoring the heritage of the township. It also would establish a Reorganization Committee and supporting sub-committees to carefully study and plan how services like fire protection, poor relief, public works, parks, planning, and governance would be aligned under one structure.
Importantly, existing debt would remain with the township’s or town’s respective current taxpayers, and no new tax obligations would be created without voter approval. Services such as fire protection, EMS, police, planning, parks, cemetery maintenance, and road upkeep would be maintained and enhanced under the reorganized town.
The reorganization would build on existing partnerships, such as the Ellettsville-Richland Fire Department, and help preserve crucial funding—up to $1 million per year—that could be lost if the township is dissolved. It would also empower township residents with meaningful representation on a new governing board.
What Comes Next?
A Reorganization Committee with representation from both Richland Township and the Town of Ellettsville would be established to prepare a full Plan of Reorganization. The seven-member Reorganization committee would include three nominees from the township, three from the town, and one additional seventh member. Sub-committees would also be formed to explore key areas including:
- A fiscal impact analysis
- Representation and election districts
- Descriptions of service areas and taxing boundaries
- Clear plans for how existing personnel, equipment, and agreements will be integrated
If approved through a public referendum in November 2026, the reorganization would go into effect January 1, 2027.
Proponents of the proposed reorganization believe the merger would be an historic opportunity for the Richland Township community, which includes the Town of Ellettsville, to protect essential services, plan for the future, and empower all residents—rural and urban alike—to have a say in how the community grows and shape a place everyone is proud to call home.
For more information as the planning process moves forward, please follow the Town of Ellettsville’s website and official Facebook page.
If you have further questions, please email questions@ellettsville.in.gov