Ind. Code ch. 36-5-5

in effect

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-1 Application of chapter

Sec. 1. This chapter applies to all towns. [Local Government Recodification Citation: New.] As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-2 Employment; compensation; tenure

Sec. 2. The town legislative body may employ a town manager to be the administrative head of the town government and may fix the manager's compensation and terms of employment. The manager may be employed to serve: (1) at the pleasure of the legislative body; or (2) for a definite tenure not to exceed the longest remaining term in office of a member of the legislative body, in which case the manager may be dismissed only for cause. [Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 18-3-1.5-1 part; 18-3-1.5-2.] As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.147.

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-3 Legislative body members barred

Sec. 3. The town legislative body may not employ one of its members as the manager. [Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 18-3-1.5-1 part.] As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.22.

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-4 Joint employment

Sec. 4. The legislative bodies of two (2) or more towns may employ the same person as the manager of their respective towns. [Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 18-3-1.5-1 part.] As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-5 Performance bond

Sec. 5. The manager must, in the manner prescribed by IC 5-4-1, execute a bond for the faithful performance of the manager's duties. [Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 18-3-1.5-3 part.] As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1981, P.L.47, SEC.23; P.L.127-2017, SEC.148.

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-6 Acting manager

Sec. 6. The town legislative body may appoint a qualified person to perform the duties of the manager whenever the manager is absent or unable to perform the manager's duties. [Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 18-3-1.5-3 part.] As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.149.

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-7 Bonds, notes, or warrants; prohibition

Sec. 7. The town legislative body may not authorize the manager to issue or execute bonds, notes, or warrants of the town. [Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 18-3-1.5-5.] As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-8 Duties

Sec. 8. The manager, under the direction of the town legislative body, is responsible for the administrative duties of the legislative body. Unless a written order or ordinance of the legislative body provides otherwise, the manager: (1) shall attend the meetings of the legislative body and recommend actions the manager considers advisable; (2) shall hire town employees according to the pay schedules and standards fixed by the legislative body or by statute; (3) shall suspend, discharge, remove, or transfer town employees, if necessary for the welfare of the town; (4) may delegate any of the manager's powers to an employee responsible to the manager; (5) shall administer and enforce all ordinances, orders, and resolutions of the legislative body; (6) shall see that all statutes that are required to be administered by the legislative body or a town officer subject to the control of the legislative body are faithfully administered; (7) shall prepare budget estimates and submit them to the legislative body when required; (8) shall execute contracts on behalf of the town for materials, supplies, services, or improvements, after the completion of the appropriations, notice, and competitive bidding required by statute; and (9) may receive service of summons on behalf of the town. [Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 18-3-1.5-4; 18-3-1.5-6.] As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.150.

Ind. Code § 36-5-5-9 Police disciplinary body membership barred

Sec. 9. The manager may not serve as a member of any body that hears disciplinary charges against: (1) the town marshal; or (2) a member of the town police department. As added by P.L.343-1987, SEC.1.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36Fetched: 10/17/2026