Member, Township Advisory Board

Township

CORE PURPOSE:

Promote the General Welfare

Quick Facts

Holder(s):

Term:

4 years

Method:

Elected

Level:

Township

Oath Administered By:

Township Trustee

Role Overview

Reviews and approves township budgets, advises the trustee on expenditures, and ensures fiscal responsibility in Indiana townships.

Constitutional Mandate:

Supports township governance (Ind. Const. Art. 6).

Key Competencies:

Community focus, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration.

Potential Weaknesses:

• Conflicts of Interest/Nepotism: Personal ties to Trustee/staff risk violations (IC 36-1-20.2), leading to audits or legal challenges; common in small townships where relationships overlap.
• Fiscal Mismanagement: Inadequate budget review could cause deficits or fraud, as in SBOA's emphasis on internal controls (IC 5-11-1-27); risks fines or state intervention amid SB1 shortfalls.
• Weak Board Culture: Polarization or lack of engagement (e.g., infrequent meetings) leads to poor oversight, amplifying risks like embezzlement or inefficient spending.
• Limited Training/Expertise: Untrained members overlook compliance, risking errors in certifications or resolutions; SBOA notes this in weak governance.
• Public Transparency Gaps: Open Door Law violations (IC 5-14-1.5) invalidate actions, inviting lawsuits and eroding trust in rural communities.

I solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Indiana, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office of Township Advisory Board Member to the best of my ability. So help me God.