STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently voted in support of State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) legislation focused on improving local government efficiency.
“After working with stakeholders, it became apparent there were several areas in Indiana Code that could be updated to better serve our cities and towns,” Karickhoff said. “These changes would provide officials more flexibility to perform daily functions with less restrictions, keep local governments running smoothly and most importantly, save taxpayers money.”
According to Karickhoff, a number of provisions would modernize public property transactions. Under the Open Door Law, executive sessions can currently be held to discuss purchasing property, but not selling, meaning real estate transactions could not be discussed in these sessions. The legislation would change the law to permit these conversations. Additionally, the bill would allow property bidding to be completed electronically, which the state currently permits but is not formally listed in municipal public bidding statute.
In order for cities and towns to access the best talent available, the proposal would also remove political party affiliation requirements to work on local utility service, storm water management and aviation boards. Karickhoff said the change would help ensure experts are consulted to take care of services without worrying about partisanship. In addition, current law mandates city attorneys live within the same county the city is located, and Karickhoff’s legislation would remove this requirement.
“Putting unreasonable restrictions on cities and towns when hiring employees can prevent the best people from getting the job,” Karickhoff said. “We should be doing more to ensure local governments have access to all the tools they need to operate efficiently.”
Other provisions of the bill include clarifying the definition of “unsafe premise” in building code to include properties with or without a physical building structure and allowing more flexibility in determining bond repayment dates. To save additional time and resources, Karickhoff said fiscal officers could also appropriate funds received for damaged property from a private payment without a formal hearing, which is currently required unless the payment came from an insurance company.
Karickhoff worked on the legislation with Accelerate Indiana Municipalities or AIM, a group of cities and towns throughout the state that advocates for local government.
House Bill 1116 now moves to the Senate for consideration. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) discusses his legislation with a fellow lawmaker Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Karickhoff’s bill aims to improve local government operations across the state. After unanimous support from the House, this bill can now be considered by the Senate.
