Trustee, Township

Township

CORE PURPOSE:

Promote the General Welfare

Quick Facts

Holder(s):

Varies

Term:

4 years

Method:

Elected

Level:

Township

Oath Administered By:

County Clerk or Notary Public

Role Overview

Administers poor relief, manages township budget, oversees fire protection, and maintains cemeteries in Indiana townships.

Constitutional Mandate:

Promotes township welfare (Ind. Const. Art. 6).

Key Competencies:

Leadership, compassion, and fiscal responsibility.

Potential Weaknesses:

• Financial Mismanagement: Over- or under-allocating aid risks audits/fines (e.g., $10K+ penalties); highest risk, as townships handle ~$5–10M county-wide in relief.
• Eligibility Errors: Misapplying residency/needs tests leads to fraud claims or denied aid, eroding public trust.
• Resource Shortages: Limited budgets/staff cause delays in burials or fire funding, endangering lives.
• Political Pressures: Election influences may bias aid, inviting ethics probes (IC 3-8-9).
• Administrative Overload: Part-time status overwhelms with complaints, risking burnout/non-compliance.
• Coordination Gaps: Poor ties with county offices delay verifications.

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 Trustee to the best of my ability. So help me God.