Ind. Code § 36-6-4-1 Application of chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to all townships.
[Local Government Recodification Citation: New.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5.
Ind. Code ch. 36-6-4
Ind. Code ch. 36-6-4
in effectInd. Code § 36-6-4-2 Township trustee; residence; term of office
Sec. 2. (a) A township trustee shall be elected under IC 3-10-2-13 by the voters of each township. The trustee is the township executive.
(b) The township trustee must reside within the township as provided in Article 6, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana. The trustee forfeits office if the trustee ceases to be a resident of the township.
(c) The term of office of a township trustee is four (4) years, beginning January 1 after election and continuing until a successor is elected and qualified.
[Local Government Recodification Citation: New.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.5-1986, SEC.57; P.L.3-1987, SEC.563; P.L.1-2004, SEC.62 and P.L.23-2004, SEC.64; P.L.88-2005, SEC.16.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-3 Duties
Sec. 3. The executive shall do the following:
(1) Keep a written record of official proceedings.
(2) Manage all township property interests.
(3) Keep township records open for public inspection.
(4) Attend all meetings of the township legislative body.
(5) Receive and pay out township funds.
(6) Examine and settle all accounts and demands chargeable against the township.
(7) Administer township assistance under IC 12-20 and IC 12-30-4.
(8) Perform the duties of fence viewer under IC 32-26.
(9) Provide and maintain cemeteries under IC 23-14.
(10) Provide fire protection under IC 36-8, except in a township that:
(A) is located in a county having a consolidated city; and
(B) consolidated the township's fire department under IC 36-3-1-6.1.
(11) File an annual personnel report under IC 5-11-13.
(12) Prepare a statement of estimated expenditures and present the statement to the legislative body at the annual meeting under section 11 of this chapter.
(13) File the annual budget adopted by the township legislative body with the department of local government finance within the time specified and otherwise in accordance with IC 6-1.1-17-5(d).
(14) Submit information to the department of local government finance's computer gateway within the time specified as prescribed under IC 6-1.1-17-3(a).
(15) Provide and maintain township parks and community centers under IC 36-10.
(16) Destroy detrimental plants, noxious weeds, and rank vegetation under IC 15-16-8.
(17) Provide insulin to the poor under IC 12-20-16.
(18) Perform other duties prescribed by statute.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: subdivision (1) formerly 17-4-6-2 part; subdivision (2) formerly 17-4-6-2 part; subdivision (3) formerly 17-4-6-3 part; subdivision (4) formerly 17-4-6-3 part; subdivision (5) formerly 17-4-6-8; subdivision (6) formerly 17-4-28-3 part; subdivision (7) formerly 17-4-6-2 part; subdivision (8) formerly 17-4-6-5 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.191-1987, SEC.14; P.L.2-1992, SEC.889; P.L.2-1993, SEC.203; P.L.51-1996, SEC.76; P.L.2-2002, SEC.108; P.L.227-2005, SEC.36; P.L.73-2005, SEC.173; P.L.1-2006, SEC.562; P.L.2-2008, SEC.82; P.L.146-2008, SEC.709; P.L.1-2009, SEC.163; P.L.24-2022, SEC.4.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-4 Powers
Sec. 4. The executive may do the following:
(1) Administer oaths when necessary in the discharge of official duties.
(2) Appoint an attorney to represent the township in any proceeding in which the township is interested.
(3) Enter into certain oil and gas leases of township property under IC 36-9.
(4) Personally use a township vehicle for the performance of official duties, but only if the use is authorized by the township legislative body.
(5) Exercise other powers granted by statute.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-4-6-2 part; 17-4-6-9 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.191-1987, SEC.15; P.L.302-1989, SEC.1.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-5 Records; maintenance
Sec. 5. The executive shall maintain:
(1) a general account showing the total of all township receipts and expenditures; and
(2) the financial and appropriation record of the township, which must include an itemized and accurate account of the township's financial affairs.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-4-6-5 part; 17-4-28-4 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-6 Financial and appropriation record; requisites
Sec. 6. (a) For each sum of money received by the executive, the financial and appropriation record must show:
(1) the date it was received;
(2) from whom it was received; and
(3) to what account it was credited.
(b) For each sum of money paid by the executive, the financial and appropriation record must show:
(1) the date it was paid;
(2) to whom it was paid;
(3) from what account it was paid; and
(4) why it was paid.
(c) The state board of accounts shall prescribe the form of the financial and appropriation record.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-4-13-1 part; 17-4-28-4 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-7 Purchases; written order; warrant; violation; liability
Sec. 7. (a) Each purchase for the township by the executive must be made on written order of the executive, certifying that sufficient funds have been appropriated to pay the full price of the purchase. The executive shall issue a warrant and pay for the purchase not later than receipt of the county treasurer's first semiannual distribution following the purchase.
(b) An executive who violates this section commits a Class C infraction and is liable on the executive's official bond for the value of the purchase.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-4-14-1; 17-4-14-2.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.154.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-8 Use of funds appropriated for community services; contracts for ambulance services; fees
Sec. 8. (a) The executive may use the township's share of state, county, and township tax revenues and federal revenue sharing funds for all categories of community services, if these funds are appropriated for these services by the township legislative body. The executive may use these funds for both operating and capital expenditures.
(b) With the consent of the township legislative body, the executive may contract with corporations for health and community services not specifically provided by another governmental entity.
(c) The executive may contract with a private person to provide regular or emergency ambulance service within the township. The contract may provide for the imposition and collection of fees for this service.
(d) The township legislative body may adopt a resolution to provide for the imposition and collection of fees for ambulance services provided by the township police or fire department.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-4-6-12; 17-4-28-6; 19-9-13-1; 19-9-13-2.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by Acts 1980, P.L.125, SEC.26; Acts 1981, P.L.11, SEC.166.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-9 Repealed
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 17-4-15-1 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Repealed by Acts 1981, P.L.57, SEC.45.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-10 Verified statement of indebtedness; posting
Sec. 10. On the first Monday of each August the executive shall post, in a conspicuous place near the executive's office, a verified statement showing the indebtedness of the township in detail and giving the number and total amount of outstanding orders, warrants, and accounts.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 17-4-13-1 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.155.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-11 Annual meeting; statement of estimated expenditures; forms; amounts
Sec. 11. (a) At the township legislative body's annual meeting under IC 36-6-6-11, the executive shall:
(1) present an itemized written statement of the estimated expenditures for which appropriations are requested, specifying:
(A) the number of teachers employed;
(B) the salary of each teacher employed;
(C) the property of the township (and supplies on hand);
(D) the estimated value of the property of the township (and supplies on hand);
(E) the supplies necessary for each school; and
(F) the need for township assistance in the township; and
(2) submit to questions from the legislative body or taxpayers concerning expenditures of the township.
(b) The written statement required under subsection (a)(1) must comply with forms prescribed by the state board of accounts and show the amount of each item to be charged against township funds.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 17-4-28-3 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.73-2005, SEC.174.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-12 Annual meeting; report of receipts and expenditures of preceding calendar year; failure to file; penalty
Sec. 12. (a) At the annual meeting of the township legislative body under IC 36-6-6-9 the executive shall present a complete report of all receipts and expenditures of the preceding calendar year, including the balance to the credit of each fund controlled by the executive. If the executive controls any money that is not included in a particular fund, then the executive shall state all the facts concerning that money in the report.
(b) Each item of expenditure must be accompanied by the verified voucher of the person to whom the sum was paid, stating:
(1) why the payment was made;
(2) that the receipt is for the exact sum received;
(3) that no part of the sum has been retained by the executive; and
(4) that no part of the sum has been or is to be returned to the executive or any other person.
The executive may administer oaths to persons giving these receipts.
(c) The executive shall swear or affirm that:
(1) the report shows all sums received by the executive;
(2) the expenditures credited have been fully paid in the sums stated, without express or implied agreement that any part of the sums is to be retained by or returned to the executive or any other person; and
(3) the executive has received no money or other property in consideration of any contract entered into on behalf of the township.
(d) Within ten (10) days after the legislative body's action under IC 36-6-6-9, the executive shall file a copy of the report and its accompanying vouchers, as adopted by the legislative body, in the county auditor's office. The legislative body may, for the benefit of the township, bring a civil action against the executive if the executive fails to file the report within ten (10) days after the legislative body's action. The legislative body may recover five dollars ($5) for each day beyond the time limit for filing the report, until the report is filed.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 17-4-28-5 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.156.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-13 Abstract of receipts and expenditures; publication; failure to comply; offense
Sec. 13. (a) When the executive prepares the annual report required by section 12 of this chapter, the executive shall also prepare, on forms prescribed by the state board of accounts, an abstract of receipts and expenditures:
(1) showing the sum of money in each fund of the township at the beginning of the year;
(2) showing the sum of money received in each fund of the township during the year;
(3) showing the sum of money paid from each fund of the township during the year;
(4) showing the sum of money remaining in each fund of the township at the end of the year;
(5) containing a statement of receipts, showing their source; and
(6) containing a statement of expenditures, showing the combined gross payment, according to classification of expense, to each person.
(b) Within four (4) weeks after the third Tuesday following the first Monday in February, the executive shall publish the portion of the abstract described in subsection (a)(1) through (a)(4) in accordance with IC 5-3-1 with a statement that a complete abstract that contains the statements required under subsection (a)(5) and (a)(6) is available for inspection in the county auditor's office. The abstract must state that:
(1) a complete and detailed annual report, a complete abstract, and the accompanying vouchers showing the names of persons paid money by the township have been filed with the county auditor; and
(2) the chair of the township legislative body has a copy of the report that is available for inspection by any taxpayer of the township.
(c) An executive who fails to comply with this section commits a Class C infraction.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-4-10-1; 17-4-10-2; 17-4-10-3.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by Acts 1981, P.L.45, SEC.16; P.L.155-1987, SEC.3; P.L.166-2014, SEC.43; P.L.127-2017, SEC.157; P.L.162-2021, SEC.10.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-14 Expiration of term; delivery of funds, property, and annual report; submission to inquiries at annual meeting
Sec. 14. When the executive's term of office expires, the former executive shall:
(1) immediately deliver to the new executive custody of all funds and property of the township, except records necessary in the preparation of the former executive's annual report;
(2) deliver to the new executive, not later than the second Monday in the next January, the former executive's annual report and any records the former executive has retained; and
(3) attend the annual meeting of the township legislative body held under IC 36-6-6-9 and submit to inquiries from the legislative body concerning the operation of the executive's office during the preceding calendar year.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-4-6-6; 17-4-28-5 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.173-2003, SEC.27; P.L.127-2017, SEC.158.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-15 Resignation or death; issuance of call for special meeting by new executive; annual report
Sec. 15. (a) If the executive resigns or dies, the former executive or the former executive's personal representative shall immediately deliver to the new executive custody of all funds and property of the township. The new executive shall then issue a call for a special meeting of the township legislative body, to be held not more than fifteen (15) days later. At the special meeting the legislative body shall:
(1) examine the records of the township;
(2) inquire into the conduct of the executive's office; and
(3) approve in whole or in part the records, receipts, and expenditures of the township to the date of death or resignation of the former executive.
(b) In the new executive's annual report to the legislative body, the new executive shall distinguish between the new executive's transactions and those of the former executive. The legislative body need not, at its annual meeting under IC 36-6-6-9, review items in the report that were considered at the special meeting.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 17-4-28-5 part.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.159.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-16 Incapacity; petition; hearing; acting executive; salaries; restoration of capacity; resumption of duties
Sec. 16. (a) When twenty-five (25) or more resident freeholders of a township file a petition with the circuit court, superior court, or probate court of the county, alleging that the township executive is incapable of performing the executive's duties due to mental or physical incapacity, the clerk of the court shall issue a summons to be served on the executive. The summons is returnable not less than ten (10) days from its date of issue.
(b) Immediately following the return date set out on the summons, the circuit court, superior court, or probate court shall hold a hearing on the matter alleged in the petition. After hearing the evidence and being fully advised, the court shall enter its findings and judgment.
(c) If the court finds the executive incapable of performing the duties of office, the clerk of the court shall certify a copy of the judgment to the county executive, which shall, within five (5) days, appoint a resident of the township as acting executive of the township during the incapacity of the executive.
(d) The acting executive shall execute and file a bond in an amount fixed by the county auditor. After taking the oath of office, the acting executive has all the powers and duties of the executive.
(e) The acting executive is entitled to the salary and benefits provided by this article for the executive.
(f) When an incapacitated executive files a petition with the circuit court, superior court, or probate court of the county alleging that the executive is restored to mental or physical ability to perform the duties of office, the court shall immediately hold a hearing on the matters alleged. After hearing the evidence and being fully advised, the court shall enter its findings and judgment.
(g) If the court finds the executive capable of resuming duties, the clerk of the court shall certify a copy of the judgment to the county executive, which shall, within five (5) days, revoke the appointment of the acting executive.
(h) For purposes of this section, the board of county commissioners is considered the executive of a county having a consolidated city.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-4-9-1; 17-4-9-2; 17-4-9-3; 17-4-9-4.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.1-2010, SEC.148; P.L.84-2016, SEC.177.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-17 Failure to perform duty; liability; compensation; personal use of township funds
Sec. 17. (a) Except as provided in IC 5-11, an executive who fails to perform a duty imposed by section 3(1), 3(2), 3(3), 3(4), 3(5), 3(7), 3(8), 5, or 14(1) of this chapter is liable to the township in a sum of not more than one hundred dollars ($100), to be recovered in a civil action brought in the name of the township.
(b) An executive is entitled to receive the following:
(1) The executive's salary.
(2) Reimbursement for expenses that are reasonably incurred by the executive for the following:
(A) The operation of the executive's office.
(B) Travel and meals while attending seminars or conferences on township matters.
(C) A sum for mileage as permitted under IC 36-6-8-3(b).
The executive may not make any other personal use of township funds without prior approval by the legislative body of the township.
(c) An executive who fails to perform a duty imposed by section 3(12), 3(13), or 3(14) of this chapter or subsection (b) may be removed from office by an action under IC 5-8-1-35 that is initiated under IC 36-6-4.5.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 17-4-6-10.]
As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.5. Amended by P.L.34-1992, SEC.3; P.L.24-2022, SEC.5; P.L.58-2023, SEC.32.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-18 Designation of alternate to perform executive's duties and functions
Sec. 18. (a) Within thirty (30) days after taking office, the executive shall designate a person who shall perform the executive's duties whenever the executive is incapable of performing the executive's functions because the executive:
(1) is absent from the township; or
(2) becomes incapacitated.
The executive shall give notice of the designation to the chair of the township legislative body, the county sheriff, and any other persons that the executive chooses. The designee shall have all the powers of the executive. The executive is responsible for all acts of the designee. The executive may change the designee under this section at any time.
(b) The designee shall perform the executive's duties until:
(1) the executive is no longer absent from the township; or
(2) an acting executive is appointed by the county executive under section 16 of this chapter.
(c) If the executive is unable to perform the fiscal requirements of the executive's position, the township shall hire or contract with a qualified certified public accountant to:
(1) provide guidance to the executive regarding the performance of the executive's responsibilities; or
(2) perform the executive's fiscal responsibilities.
The executive is considered to be unable to perform the fiscal requirements of the executive's position if the township is declared unauditable under IC 5-11-1-9(b).
As added by P.L.105-1986, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.21-2002, SEC.1; P.L.127-2017, SEC.160; P.L.58-2023, SEC.33.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-19 Use of funds for drug awareness programs
Sec. 19. The township executive may pay township funds for the purpose of supporting a drug awareness program that is implemented in schools.
As added by P.L.2-1997, SEC.83.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-20 Training
Sec. 20. (a) As used in this section, "training courses" refers to training courses, workshops, training institutes authorized by IC 5-11-14, formal academies, special seminars, and other in-service training related to an office described in section 2 of this chapter that are developed or offered under the rubric of a generally accepted professional association, association of governments or a state agency or department, or public university or affiliated center.
(b) An individual elected to the office described in section 2 of this chapter on or after November 5, 2023, shall complete at least:
(1) fourteen (14) hours of training courses within one (1) year; and
(2) thirty-six (36) hours of training courses within three (3) years;
after the individual is elected to the office described in section 2 of this chapter.
(c) An individual first elected or appointed to an office described in section 2 of this chapter shall complete five (5) hours of newly elected official training courses before the individual first takes office. A training course that the individual completes under this subsection shall be counted toward the requirements under subsection (b).
(d) An individual shall fulfill the training requirements established by subsection (b) for each term to which the individual is elected to the office described in section 2 of this chapter.
(e) This subsection applies only to an individual appointed to fill a vacancy in the office described in section 2 of this chapter. An individual described in this subsection may, but is not required to, take training courses required by subsection (b). If an individual described in this subsection takes a training course required by subsection (b) for an individual elected to the office described in section 2 of this chapter, the township shall pay for the training course as if the individual had been elected to the office described in section 2 of this chapter.
(f) The:
(1) township legislative body; and
(2) individual who holds the office described in section 2 of this chapter;
shall use all reasonable means to ensure that the individual who holds the office described in section 2 of this chapter complies with the training requirements established by this section.
(g) The individual who holds the office described in section 2 of this chapter shall maintain written documentation of the training courses that the individual completes toward the requirements of this section.
(h) An individual elected or appointed to an office described in section 2 of this chapter shall certify completion of the requirements described in subsection (b) every year and file the certification with the state board of accounts in the same manner as the report required in IC 5-11-1-4(a).
As added by P.L.58-2023, SEC.34.
Ind. Code § 36-6-4-21 Township annual report regarding fire protection and emergency services
Sec. 21. (a) As used in this section, "department" refers to the department of local government finance.
(b) Beginning in 2026, and each year thereafter, each township trustee shall submit, using the department's computer gateway established under IC 5-14-3.8-3, the following information in a manner prescribed by the department, in consultation with the department of homeland security:
(1) Whether the township operates a fire department, including a volunteer fire department, and, if so, the name of the fire department operated by the township.
(2) Whether the township participates in a fire territory under IC 36-8-19, and, if so, the name of the unit that is the provider unit.
(3) Whether the township participates in a fire protection district under IC 36-8-11, and, if so, the name of the fire department.
(4) Whether the township has an agreement with another unit to provide fire protection in a manner other than described in subdivisions (1) through (3), and the name of each unit that participates in the agreement.
(5) Whether fire protection is provided by a municipality, and, if so, the name of the municipality.
(6) Contact information for each fire department or provider unit described in subdivisions (1) through (5).
(7) The types of emergency services provided by each fire department or provider unit described in subdivisions (1) through (5).
(8) Any information prescribed by the department, in consultation with the department of homeland security necessary for the department of homeland security to comply with subsection (d).
(c) The department shall compile the information provided to the department under subsection (b) and provide the information to the department of homeland security.
(d) The department of homeland security shall use the information provided by the department under subsection (c) to ascertain the following information:
(1) The entity that provides fire protection for each township.
(2) Where each fire department and provider unit is located.
(3) The service area for each fire department or fire territory.
(4) Whether the fire service provided within the township is provided by a professional or volunteer fire department.
(5) The types of emergency services provided in each township.
(6) Contact information for each fire department and provider unit that provides fire and emergency services in the township, including the following information:
(A) The contact name and address.
(B) The telephone number.
(C) The electronic mail address.
(7) Any other information the department of homeland security deems necessary.
(e) The information described in subsection (d) shall be made available on the department of homeland security's website and made available in a machine readable format.
As added by P.L.134-2026, SEC.10.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/36Fetched: 10/17/2026