CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT ANNEXATION ...

                      MAP OF PROPOSED ANNEXATION AREA 

                   https://bloomington.in.gov/city/annexation

            IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Property Owners of Van Buren and Richland Townships:

In response to multiple emails and telephone calls we have compiled some general advice that is not to be construed as legal advice. As always, any legal inquiries should be directed to your attorney.

Annexation is the process used by cities and towns to increase their size by absorbing adjacent land. The City of Bloomington has announced an aggressive annexation plan that will affect you, your tax rate, our police protection, our fire department response times (for those not in the Monroe Fire Protection District), homeowner’s insurance rates, our sewers, our community, and your property.

If you own property in Monroe County and are interested in finding out if the City of Bloomington is intending to annex your property you may visit this website and enter your address: https://bloomington.in.gov/city/annexation

Furthermore, the City of Bloomington is scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding annexation on Wednesday, August 4th at 3:00 PM at the Bloomington City Hall, Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St, Bloomington, IN 47404. As a property owner, it is your right to attend this meeting and speak your mind regarding the City’s annexation proposal. You may attend the meeting in person or via this zoom link:

https://bloomington.zoom.us/j/94918610625?pwd=UkptSG1zOCt5aE50U0Q5VWNLYnhrQT09

Also, the County has hired a firm to examine the accuracy of the city’s financial analysis, and the consultants will be hosting public meetings that will be focused on the impact on residents.

There will be three meetings at various locations:

1. Wednesday, July 28th at 6 pm at the Old State Road 37 Fire Station (5081 N Old State Road 37) or on Zoom (The link will be posted on the Monroe County, Richland, and Van Buren Trustee websites prior to the meeting).

2. Sunday, August 1st at 2 pm at the Fair Grounds (5700 W Airport Rd). This meeting will be in-person only!

3. Monday, August 2nd at 6 pm at the Kennedy Drive Fire Station (3953 S. Kennedy Dr.) or on Zoom at:                                                                                       

https://monroecounty-in.zoom.us/j/82113298945?pwd=aWZxai8rY3FiWHlldnV2Y0ltTHRnZz09.

We, as Township Trustees, do not intend to tell you how to feel about annexation; instead, we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information and allow you to make up your mind about the City’s proposed annexation plan. In this spirit, we would like to inform you of the processes to object to annexation, if you would like an avenue for recourse. If you are in favor of annexation, no further action is necessary on your part.

Here are some suggestions for individuals who would like to object to annexation:

1. Attend the public meetings hosted by the County and the City as these meetings will help you better understand the ramifications of annexation for you, personally, and the community at large.

2. In September or October, the city is expected to adopt the annexation ordinances. At that time, you may begin the official process of remonstration. To remonstrate you will have to go to a public building within the city and complete some paperwork. As soon as the city makes the location and the hours of operation publicly available, we will be sure to let you know.

3. For annexation to be halted, 65% of the owners of land within an annexation area need to remonstrate. If you do not wish to be a part of the city, be sure to remonstrate.

As more information becomes available regarding the annexation process, we will be sure to keep you informed. Stay tuned to the City’s annexation website: (https://bloomington.in.gov/city/annexation),  The County’s website: (https://www.co.monroe.in.us), your respective Township’s website: (http://www.vanburentownship.org) (http://www.richlandtownshiptrustee.org), and any letters sent to your property.

Again, we are sending this letter with the intention of informing you of what is going on in our community, and not to convince you to be for or against annexation. The Van Buren and Richland Township Offices want to provide you with information and allow you to make up your own mind regarding annexation and the effects it will have on you, your tax rate, your property, and many other facets of our community.

Please know that the Van Buren and Richland Township Trustee’s Offices cannot offer legal advice, and the above information should not be construed as such. If you have further legal questions, we encourage you to contact your attorney.

As always, we are eager to serve you, and if we can be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Trustee.

Respectfully yours,

Rita Barrow, Van Buren Township Trustee, (812) 825-4490

Marty Stephens, Richland Township Trustee, (812) 876-2509

INTRODUCTION

We are a unit of local township government with the goal of helping people as efficiently as we can. 

The Richland Township Trustee's office serves the residents of Richland Township which includes the west edge of the City of Bloomington, the Town of Ellettsville, the unincorporated towns of Forest Park Heights, Hunter Switch, and West Brook Downs. 

The Township Trustee has the statutory responsibility to provide fire protection to the Township. 

The Trustee also provides a food pantry for low income families, provides direct assistance to people with immediate needs, maintains abandoned cemeteries, serves as Public Notary, fire protection, and other services. Richland Township may be able to assist with rent, mortgage, utilities (electric, water, natural gas), and food. We are here to help prevent eviction, foreclosures, and utility disconnects for the residents. Please contact our office for financial assistance and/or questions.   

Assistance

Emergency assistance is available for the people of Richland Township. Details and forms here.