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Committee presses for fiscal analysis as Senate Bill 1 raises budget questions

Richland Township–Ellettsville Reorganization Committee · December 30, 2025

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Summary

Citizens and committee members pressed for a fiscal report tied to Senate Bill 1. Town staff said the committee’s accountants (Baker Tilly) expect flat budgets in the near term and projected a roughly $500,000 shortfall by 2028 without changes, making a fiscal plan a required part of reorganization.

Members of the public and committee asked for a detailed fiscal analysis tied to recently passed state legislation (referred to in the meeting as "Senate Bill 1"). Jim Perry, speaking from extensive local government experience, said he wanted to see the fiscal consequences documented before the committee advanced a plan to voters.

Town staff said Baker Tilly, the municipality’s longtime accounting firm, has prepared an analysis showing budgets are likely to remain flat for the next several years and projecting a material shortfall by 2028—described in the meeting as roughly $500,000—unless structural changes occur. A town official told the committee reorganization could provide a "windfall of money" and help stabilize finances, but it would not eliminate all fiscal pressure. Staff offered to provide the Baker Tilly analysis to the public and the committee.

Committee members agreed fiscal implications should be central to future deliberations and that subcommittees should incorporate fiscal review as they prepare their recommendations. The committee also scheduled a visit with Sheridan officials to learn how other communities handled reorganization and fiscal projections.