IC 36-5-2
Chapter 2. Town Legislative Body and Executive
IC 36-5-2-1 Application of chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to all towns. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-2 Town council; president
Sec. 2. The town council elected under IC 3-10-6 or IC 3-10-7 is
the town legislative body. The president of the town council selected
under section 7 of this chapter is the town executive. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.5-1986,
SEC.55; P.L.8-1989, SEC.97.
IC 36-5-2-3 Term of office of members
Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f),
the term of office of a member of the legislative body is four (4)
years, beginning at noon January 1 after the member's election and
continuing until the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(b) The term of office of a member of the legislative body
appointed to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number
of town legislative body members under section 4.2 of this chapter:
(1) begins when the ordinance increasing the number of
legislative body members takes effect, or when the member is
appointed under IC 3-13-9-4, if the appointment is made after
the ordinance takes effect; and
(2) continues until noon January 1 following the next municipal
election scheduled under IC 3-10-6-5 or IC 3-10-7-6 and until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(c) The term of office of a member of the legislative body elected
under IC 36-5-1-10.1 following the incorporation of the town:
(1) begins at noon November 30 following the election; and
(2) continues until noon January 1 following the next municipal
election scheduled under IC 3-10-6-5 or IC 3-10-7-6 and until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(d) The term of office of a member of the legislative body subject
to IC 3-10-6-2.5(d)(1) is three (3) years, beginning at noon January
1 after the member's election and continuing until the member's
successor is elected and qualified.
(e) The term of office of a member of a legislative body subject
to an ordinance described by IC 3-10-6-2.6 is one (1) year, beginning
at noon January 1 after the member's election and continuing until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(f) The term of office of a member of a legislative body subject to
an ordinance described by IC 3-10-7-2.7 is:
(1) three (3) years if the member is elected at the next municipal
election not conducted in a general election year; and
(2) four (4) years for the successors of a member of a legislative
body described in subdivision (1);
beginning noon January 1 after election and continuing until a
successor is elected and qualified. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.3-1993,
SEC.272; P.L.4-1996, SEC.103.
IC 36-5-2-4
Repealed
(Repealed by Acts 1980, P.L.2, SEC.20.)
IC 36-5-2-4.1 Town legislative body districts; standards; crossing precinct
boundaries; appeal; when division to be made; towns of less than
3,500 abolishing districts; ordinances; towns within consolidated
city
Sec. 4.1. (a) The legislative body may, by ordinance, divide the
town into districts for the purpose of conducting elections of town
officers.
(b) A town legislative body district must comply with the
following standards:
(1) The district must be composed of contiguous territory,
except for territory that is not contiguous to any other part of
the town.
(2) The district must be reasonably compact.
(3) The district must contain, as nearly as is possible, equal
population.
(4) The district may not cross a census block boundary except
when following a precinct boundary line or unless the ordinance
specifies that the census block has no population and is not
likely to ever have population.
(5) The district may not cross precinct lines, except as provided
in subsection (c).
(c) The boundary of a town legislative body district established
under subsection (a) may cross a precinct boundary line if:
(1) the legislative body provides by ordinance under section 5
of this chapter that all legislative body members are to be
elected at large by the voters of the whole town; or
(2) the district would not otherwise contain, as nearly as is
possible, equal population.
(d) If any territory in the town is not included in one (1) of the
districts established under this section, the territory is included in the
district that:
(1) is contiguous to that territory; and
(2) contains the least population of all districts contiguous to
that territory.
(e) If any territory in the town is included in more than one (1) of
the districts established under this section, the territory is included
in the district that:
(1) is one (1) of the districts in which the territory is described
in the ordinance adopted under this section;
(2) is contiguous to that territory; and
(3) contains the least population of all districts contiguous to
that territory.
(f) The ordinance may be appealed in the manner prescribed by
IC 34-13-6. If the town is located in two (2) or more counties, the
appeal may be filed in the circuit or superior court of any of those
counties.
(g) This subsection does not apply to a town with an ordinance
described by subsection (h). The division permitted by subsection (a)
shall be made:
(1) during the second year after a year in which a federal
decennial census is conducted, subject to IC 3-11-1.5-32; and
(2) when required to assign annexed territory to a municipal
legislative body district.
The division may also be made in any other year.
(h) This subsection applies to a town having a population of less
than three thousand five hundred (3,500). The town legislative body
may adopt an ordinance providing that:
(1) town legislative body districts are abolished; and
(2) all members of the legislative body are elected at large.
(i) An ordinance described by subsection (h):
(1) may not be adopted or repealed during a year in which a
municipal election is scheduled to be conducted in the town
under IC 3-10-6 or IC 3-10-7; and
(2) is effective upon passage.
(j) A copy of the ordinance establishing districts under this
section must be filed with the circuit court clerk of the county that
contains the greatest population of the town not later than thirty (30)
days after the ordinance is adopted. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.2, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.13-1988,
SEC.20; P.L.5-1989, SEC.115; P.L.7-1990, SEC.62; P.L.4-1991,
SEC.146; P.L.3-1993, SEC.273; P.L.2-1995, SEC.130; P.L.3-1997,
SEC.464; P.L.1-1998, SEC.205; P.L.230-2005, SEC.88.
IC 36-5-2-4.2 Change in number of members in legislative body; resolution;
implementation
Sec. 4.2. (a) This section applies to the alteration of the number
of members of a legislative body.
(b) The legislative body may adopt a resolution to submit a public
question on the number of legislative body members to the voters of
the town. The resolution must state the following:
(1) The proposed number of legislative body members, which
must be at least three (3) and not more than seven (7).
(2) The date of the general, municipal, or special election at
which the public question will appear on the ballot.
(3) That the following question will be placed on the ballot in
the form provided by IC 3-10-9-4:
"Shall the number of town council members be increased (or
decreased, if applicable) from ___________ (insert the
current number of members provided for) to _________
(insert the number of members proposed in the resolution)?".
(c) IC 3 applies to an election conducted under subsection (b). If
the county election board will conduct the election at which the
public question will be submitted, the question must be certified to
the board under IC 3-10-9-3.
(d) If a majority of the votes cast on the question under subsection
(b) are in the negative, the legislative body may not adopt a
resolution under subsection (b) for at least one (1) year following the
date the prior resolution was adopted.
(e) If a majority of votes cast on the question under subsection (b)
are in the affirmative, the legislative body shall adopt an ordinance
at its next regular meeting following the election altering the number
of legislative body members to the number specified in the public
question. The legislative body may also alter existing districts and
establish new districts in the manner prescribed by IC 36-5-1-10.1.
An ordinance adopted under this subsection becomes effective
January 1 following its adoption.
(f) If the number of legislative body members is increased, the
legislative body shall fill any resulting vacancy under IC 3-13-9-4.
The legislative body may fill the vacancy before the ordinance
described in subsection (e) takes effect. However, a town legislative
body member appointed under this subsection does not assume office
until the beginning of the term specified in section 3 of this chapter. As added by P.L.11-1988, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.8-1989, SEC.98;
P.L.1-1990, SEC.359; P.L.3-1993, SEC.274.
IC 36-5-2-4.5 Adoption of ordinances; elections
Sec. 4.5. (a) This section applies to a town if both of the following
apply:
(1) The town has a population of more than ten thousand
(10,000).
(2) The town legislative body adopts an ordinance adopting the
provisions of this section. A town may not adopt an ordinance
under this section during a year in which municipal elections
are held under IC 3-10-6-5.
(b) A town legislative body has the following members:
(1) Five (5) members, each elected by the voters of a district.
The districts are established by ordinance by the town
legislative body as provided in this chapter.
(2) Two (2) members elected at large by all the voters of the
town.
(c) An ordinance adopted under this section must provide for the
following:
(1) Four (4) members of the legislative body are elected during
a year that municipal elections are held under IC 3-10-6-5.
(2) Three (3) members of the legislative body are elected either:
(A) during the year before the year described in subdivision
(1); or
(B) during the year after the year described in subdivision
(1).
The year for elections under this subdivision must be chosen so
that during the elections held for the town legislative body
under subdivision (4), a member of the town legislative body
does not serve a term of more than four (4) years.
(3) The members of the legislative body elected at large may
not be elected at the same time.
(4) At the first two (2) elections after the ordinance is adopted,
members are elected to serve the following terms:
(A) Two (2) members elected under subdivision (1) are
elected to a four (4) year term and two (2) members elected
under subdivision (1) are elected to a three (3) year term.
(B) Two (2) members elected under subdivision (2) are
elected to a four (4) year term and one (1) member elected
under subdivision (2) is elected to a three (3) year term.
The ordinance must provide a random procedure to determine
which members serve four (4) year terms and which members
serve three (3) year terms.
(5) A member of the town council elected after the elections
described in subdivision (4) serves a term of four (4) years.
(6) The term of office of a member begins at noon January 1
after the member's election.
(d) An ordinance adopted under this section may provide that
before the first election after adoption of the ordinance, members of
the town legislative body added to the legislative body by the
ordinance may be appointed to the legislative body by a vote of the
current members of the legislative body.
(e) After the first two (2) elections held as described in subsection
(c)(4), the town legislative body may adopt an ordinance to do the
following:
(1) Divide the town into seven (7) districts.
(2) Provide that the members elected at large are each elected
from a district.
An ordinance adopted under this subsection must comply with this
chapter in establishing the districts and provide details to provide a
transition from electing two (2) members at large to electing all
members from districts.
(f) Subject to this section, members of the town legislative body
are elected as provided in IC 3-10-6-4.5. As added by P.L.38-1999, SEC.72. Amended by P.L.14-2000,
SEC.81.
IC 36-5-2-5 Representation by district, at large, or both
Sec. 5. (a) The legislative body has:
(1) one (1) member for each district established under:
(A) IC 36-5-1-10.1; or
(B) section 4.1 or 4.2 of this chapter; or
(2) the number of members provided for when the town adopted
an ordinance under section 4.1 of this chapter abolishing town
legislative body districts.
(b) The legislative body shall provide by ordinance that its
members:
(1) are to be elected by the voters of the district in which they
reside;
(2) are to be elected at large by the voters of the whole town; or
(3) are to be elected both by districts and at-large.
(c) If a town legislative body adopts an ordinance under this
section providing that its members are to be elected both by districts
and at-large, the ordinance must:
(1) specify which seats on the legislative body are elected by
the voters of a district and which are elected by the voters of the
whole town; and
(2) provide that the ordinance is effective on January 1
following its adoption. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.33, SEC.27; P.L.11-1988, SEC.13; P.L.7-1990, SEC.63.
IC 36-5-2-6 Residency requirement
Sec. 6. (a) A member of the legislative body must reside within:
(1) the town as provided in Article 6, Section 6 of the
Constitution of the State of Indiana; and
(2) the district from which the member was elected, if
applicable.
(b) A member of the legislative body who is elected by the voters
of a district forfeits office if the member ceases to be a resident of
the district.
(c) A member of the legislative body who is elected by the voters
of the entire town but is elected or selected as a candidate from a
district forfeits office if the member ceases to be a resident of the
district.
(d) An at-large member of the legislative body forfeits office if
the member ceases to be a resident of the town. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.3-1987,
SEC.561; P.L.3-1993, SEC.275.
IC 36-5-2-6.5 Circumstances creating a vacancy on the town council
Sec. 6.5. A vacancy on the legislative body is created whenever
any of the following circumstances occur:
(1) A member resigns.
(2) A member dies.
(3) A member ceases to be a resident of the town or district as
set forth in section 6 of this chapter. As added by P.L.174-2002, SEC.5.
IC 36-5-2-7 President of legislative body; selection; term
Sec. 7. The legislative body shall select one (1) of its members to
be its president for a definite term, which may not exceed his term of
office as a member of the legislative body. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-8 Town clerk-treasurer as clerk; ex officio member for casting tie
breaking vote
Sec. 8. (a) The town clerk-treasurer is the clerk of the legislative
body.
(b) The clerk-treasurer is an ex officio member for the purpose of
casting the deciding vote to break a tie. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.34-1999,
SEC.3.
IC 36-5-2-9 Powers of legislative body
Sec. 9. The legislative body may:
(1) adopt ordinances and resolutions for the performance of
functions of the town;
(2) purchase, hold, and convey any interest in property, for the
use of the town; and
(3) adopt and use a common seal. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-9.2 Quorum
Sec. 9.2. A majority of all the elected members of the legislative
body constitutes a quorum. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.14.
IC 36-5-2-9.4 Majority vote; two-thirds vote
Sec. 9.4. (a) A requirement that an ordinance, resolution, or other
action of the legislative body be passed by a majority vote means at
least a majority vote of all the elected members.
(b) A requirement that an ordinance, resolution, or other action of
the legislative body be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote means at
least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the elected members. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.15.
IC 36-5-2-9.6 Majority vote to pass ordinance
Sec. 9.6. A majority vote of the legislative body is required to
pass an ordinance, unless a greater vote is required by statute. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.16.
IC 36-5-2-9.8 Two-thirds vote with unanimous consent of members present
Sec. 9.8. (a) A two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the elected members,
after unanimous consent of the members present to consider the
ordinance, is required to pass an ordinance of the legislative body on
the same day or at the same meeting at which it is introduced.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to the following:
(1) A zoning ordinance or amendment to a zoning ordinance
adopted under IC 36-7.
(2) An ordinance to increase the number of town legislative
body members adopted under section 4.2 of this chapter, unless
the ordinance also establishes new legislative body districts. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.17. Amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.33, SEC.28; P.L.335-1985, SEC.37; P.L.3-1993, SEC.276.
IC 36-5-2-10 Ordinance, order, or resolution adoption; requirements
Sec. 10. (a) An ordinance, order, or resolution passed by the
legislative body is considered adopted when it is signed by the
executive. If required by statute, an adopted ordinance, order, or
resolution must be promulgated or published before it takes effect.
(b) An ordinance prescribing a penalty for a violation must, before
it takes effect, be published in the manner prescribed by IC 5-3-1,
unless:
(1) it is published under IC 36-1-5; or
(2) it declares an emergency requiring its immediate
effectiveness and is posted in:
(A) one (1) public place in each district in the town; or
(B) a number of public places in the town equal to the
number of town legislative body members, if the town has
abolished legislative body districts under section 4.1 of this
chapter.
(c) This section does not apply to a zoning ordinance or
amendment to a zoning ordinance, or a resolution approving a
comprehensive plan, that is adopted under IC 36-7.
(d) An ordinance increasing a building permit fee on new
development must:
(1) be published:
(A) one (1) time in accordance with IC 5-3-1; and
(B) not later than thirty (30) days after the ordinance is
adopted by the legislative body in accordance with IC 5-3-1;
and
(2) delay the implementation of the fee increase for ninety (90)
days after the date the ordinance is published under subdivision
(1).
(e) The legislative body shall:
(1) subject to subsection (f), give written notice to the
department of environmental management not later than sixty
(60) days before amendment or repeal of an environmental
restrictive ordinance; and
(2) give written notice to the department of environmental
management not later than thirty (30) days after passage,
amendment, or repeal of an environmental restrictive ordinance.
(f) Upon written request by the legislative body, the department
of environmental management may waive the notice requirement of
subsection (e)(1).
(g) An environmental restrictive ordinance passed or amended
after 2009 by the legislative body must state the notice requirements
of subsection (e).
(h) The failure of an environmental restrictive ordinance to
comply with subsection (g) does not void the ordinance. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1980,
P.L.73, SEC.18; P.L.335-1985, SEC.38; P.L.7-1990, SEC.64;
P.L.100-2003, SEC.3; P.L.78-2009, SEC.26.
IC 36-5-2-10.2 Recording of adopted ordinance; presumptive evidence
Sec. 10.2. Within a reasonable time after an ordinance of the
legislative body is adopted, the clerk-treasurer shall record it in a
book kept for that purpose. The record must include:
(1) the signature of the executive;
(2) the attestation of the clerk-treasurer; and
(3) the date of each recorded item.
The record or a certified copy of it constitutes presumptive evidence
of the adoption of the ordinance. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.19.
IC 36-5-2-11 Bond issuance, purpose, payments, and procedure; short term
loans
Sec. 11. (a) The legislative body may issue bonds for the purpose
of procuring money to be used in the exercise of the powers of the
town and for the payment of town debts. However, a town may not
issue bonds to procure money to pay current expenses.
(b) Bonds issued under this section are payable in the amounts
and at the times determined by the legislative body.
(c) Bonds issued under this section are subject to the provisions
of IC 5-1 and IC 6-1.1-20 relating to the following:
(1) The filing of a petition requesting the issuance of bonds and
giving notice of the petition.
(2) The giving of notice of a hearing on the appropriation of the
proceeds of bonds.
(3) The right of taxpayers to appear and be heard on the
proposed appropriation.
(4) The approval of the appropriation by the department of local
government finance.
(5) The right of:
(A) taxpayers and voters to remonstrate against the issuance
of bonds in the case of a proposed bond issue described by
IC 6-1.1-20-3.1(a); or
(B) voters to vote on the issuance of bonds in the case of a
proposed bond issue described by IC 6-1.1-20-3.5(a).
(6) The sale of bonds at public sale for not less than their par
value.
(d) The legislative body may, by ordinance, make loans of money
for not more than five (5) years and issue notes for the purpose of
refunding those loans. The loans may be made only for the purpose
of procuring money to be used in the exercise of the powers of the
town, and the total amount of outstanding loans under this subsection
may not exceed five percent (5%) of the town's total tax levy in the
current year (excluding amounts levied to pay debt service and lease
rentals). Loans under this subsection shall be made as follows:
(1) The ordinance authorizing the loans must pledge to their
payment a sufficient amount of tax revenues over the ensuing
five (5) years to provide for refunding the loans.
(2) The loans must be evidenced by notes of the town in terms
designating the nature of the consideration, the time and place
payable, and the revenues out of which they will be payable.
(3) The interest accruing on the notes to the date of maturity
may be added to and included in their face value or be made
payable periodically, as provided in the ordinance.
Notes issued under this subsection are not bonded indebtedness for
purposes of IC 6-1.1-18.5. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.37-1988,
SEC.24; P.L.90-2002, SEC.471; P.L.219-2007, SEC.116;
P.L.146-2008, SEC.708.
IC 36-5-2-12 Loans and notes; procedures; actions to contest validity
Sec. 12. (a) The legislative body may, by ordinance, make loans
and issue notes for the purpose of refunding those loans in
anticipation of revenues of the town that are anticipated to be levied
and collected during the term of the loans. The term of a loan made
under this subsection may not be more than five (5) years. Loans
under this section shall be made in the same manner as loans made
under section 11(b) and 11(c) of this chapter, except that:
(1) the ordinance authorizing the loans must appropriate and
pledge to the payment of the loans a sufficient amount of the
revenues in anticipation of which the loans are issued and out
of which the loans are payable; and
(2) the loans must be evidenced by time warrants of the town in
terms designating the nature of the consideration, the time and
place payable, and the revenues in anticipation of which the
loans are issued and out of which the loans are payable.
(b) An action to contest the validity of a loan made under this
section must be brought within fifteen (15) days from the day on
which the ordinance is adopted. As added by P.L.35-1990, SEC.45. Amended by P.L.40-1996,
SEC.11.
IC 36-5-2-13 Removal of town employee
Sec. 13. The town executive must have the approval of a majority
of the town council before the executive may discharge, reduce in
grade under IC 36-8-3-4, or remove a town employee. As added by P.L.34-1999, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2
Chapter 2. Town Legislative Body and Executive
IC 36-5-2-1 Application of chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to all towns. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-2 Town council; president
Sec. 2. The town council elected under IC 3-10-6 or IC 3-10-7 is
the town legislative body. The president of the town council selected
under section 7 of this chapter is the town executive. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.5-1986,
SEC.55; P.L.8-1989, SEC.97.
IC 36-5-2-3 Term of office of members
Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f),
the term of office of a member of the legislative body is four (4)
years, beginning at noon January 1 after the member's election and
continuing until the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(b) The term of office of a member of the legislative body
appointed to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number
of town legislative body members under section 4.2 of this chapter:
(1) begins when the ordinance increasing the number of
legislative body members takes effect, or when the member is
appointed under IC 3-13-9-4, if the appointment is made after
the ordinance takes effect; and
(2) continues until noon January 1 following the next municipal
election scheduled under IC 3-10-6-5 or IC 3-10-7-6 and until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(c) The term of office of a member of the legislative body elected
under IC 36-5-1-10.1 following the incorporation of the town:
(1) begins at noon November 30 following the election; and
(2) continues until noon January 1 following the next municipal
election scheduled under IC 3-10-6-5 or IC 3-10-7-6 and until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(d) The term of office of a member of the legislative body subject
to IC 3-10-6-2.5(d)(1) is three (3) years, beginning at noon January
1 after the member's election and continuing until the member's
successor is elected and qualified.
(e) The term of office of a member of a legislative body subject
to an ordinance described by IC 3-10-6-2.6 is one (1) year, beginning
at noon January 1 after the member's election and continuing until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(f) The term of office of a member of a legislative body subject to
an ordinance described by IC 3-10-7-2.7 is:
(1) three (3) years if the member is elected at the next municipal
election not conducted in a general election year; and
(2) four (4) years for the successors of a member of a legislative
body described in subdivision (1);
beginning noon January 1 after election and continuing until a
successor is elected and qualified. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.3-1993,
SEC.272; P.L.4-1996, SEC.103.
IC 36-5-2-4
Repealed
(Repealed by Acts 1980, P.L.2, SEC.20.)
IC 36-5-2-4.1 Town legislative body districts; standards; crossing precinct
boundaries; appeal; when division to be made; towns of less than
3,500 abolishing districts; ordinances; towns within consolidated
city
Sec. 4.1. (a) The legislative body may, by ordinance, divide the
town into districts for the purpose of conducting elections of town
officers.
(b) A town legislative body district must comply with the
following standards:
(1) The district must be composed of contiguous territory,
except for territory that is not contiguous to any other part of
the town.
(2) The district must be reasonably compact.
(3) The district must contain, as nearly as is possible, equal
population.
(4) The district may not cross a census block boundary except
when following a precinct boundary line or unless the ordinance
specifies that the census block has no population and is not
likely to ever have population.
(5) The district may not cross precinct lines, except as provided
in subsection (c).
(c) The boundary of a town legislative body district established
under subsection (a) may cross a precinct boundary line if:
(1) the legislative body provides by ordinance under section 5
of this chapter that all legislative body members are to be
elected at large by the voters of the whole town; or
(2) the district would not otherwise contain, as nearly as is
possible, equal population.
(d) If any territory in the town is not included in one (1) of the
districts established under this section, the territory is included in the
district that:
(1) is contiguous to that territory; and
(2) contains the least population of all districts contiguous to
that territory.
(e) If any territory in the town is included in more than one (1) of
the districts established under this section, the territory is included
in the district that:
(1) is one (1) of the districts in which the territory is described
in the ordinance adopted under this section;
(2) is contiguous to that territory; and
(3) contains the least population of all districts contiguous to
that territory.
(f) The ordinance may be appealed in the manner prescribed by
IC 34-13-6. If the town is located in two (2) or more counties, the
appeal may be filed in the circuit or superior court of any of those
counties.
(g) This subsection does not apply to a town with an ordinance
described by subsection (h). The division permitted by subsection (a)
shall be made:
(1) during the second year after a year in which a federal
decennial census is conducted, subject to IC 3-11-1.5-32; and
(2) when required to assign annexed territory to a municipal
legislative body district.
The division may also be made in any other year.
(h) This subsection applies to a town having a population of less
than three thousand five hundred (3,500). The town legislative body
may adopt an ordinance providing that:
(1) town legislative body districts are abolished; and
(2) all members of the legislative body are elected at large.
(i) An ordinance described by subsection (h):
(1) may not be adopted or repealed during a year in which a
municipal election is scheduled to be conducted in the town
under IC 3-10-6 or IC 3-10-7; and
(2) is effective upon passage.
(j) A copy of the ordinance establishing districts under this
section must be filed with the circuit court clerk of the county that
contains the greatest population of the town not later than thirty (30)
days after the ordinance is adopted. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.2, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.13-1988,
SEC.20; P.L.5-1989, SEC.115; P.L.7-1990, SEC.62; P.L.4-1991,
SEC.146; P.L.3-1993, SEC.273; P.L.2-1995, SEC.130; P.L.3-1997,
SEC.464; P.L.1-1998, SEC.205; P.L.230-2005, SEC.88.
IC 36-5-2-4.2 Change in number of members in legislative body; resolution;
implementation
Sec. 4.2. (a) This section applies to the alteration of the number
of members of a legislative body.
(b) The legislative body may adopt a resolution to submit a public
question on the number of legislative body members to the voters of
the town. The resolution must state the following:
(1) The proposed number of legislative body members, which
must be at least three (3) and not more than seven (7).
(2) The date of the general, municipal, or special election at
which the public question will appear on the ballot.
(3) That the following question will be placed on the ballot in
the form provided by IC 3-10-9-4:
"Shall the number of town council members be increased (or
decreased, if applicable) from ___________ (insert the
current number of members provided for) to _________
(insert the number of members proposed in the resolution)?".
(c) IC 3 applies to an election conducted under subsection (b). If
the county election board will conduct the election at which the
public question will be submitted, the question must be certified to
the board under IC 3-10-9-3.
(d) If a majority of the votes cast on the question under subsection
(b) are in the negative, the legislative body may not adopt a
resolution under subsection (b) for at least one (1) year following the
date the prior resolution was adopted.
(e) If a majority of votes cast on the question under subsection (b)
are in the affirmative, the legislative body shall adopt an ordinance
at its next regular meeting following the election altering the number
of legislative body members to the number specified in the public
question. The legislative body may also alter existing districts and
establish new districts in the manner prescribed by IC 36-5-1-10.1.
An ordinance adopted under this subsection becomes effective
January 1 following its adoption.
(f) If the number of legislative body members is increased, the
legislative body shall fill any resulting vacancy under IC 3-13-9-4.
The legislative body may fill the vacancy before the ordinance
described in subsection (e) takes effect. However, a town legislative
body member appointed under this subsection does not assume office
until the beginning of the term specified in section 3 of this chapter. As added by P.L.11-1988, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.8-1989, SEC.98;
P.L.1-1990, SEC.359; P.L.3-1993, SEC.274.
IC 36-5-2-4.5 Adoption of ordinances; elections
Sec. 4.5. (a) This section applies to a town if both of the following
apply:
(1) The town has a population of more than ten thousand
(10,000).
(2) The town legislative body adopts an ordinance adopting the
provisions of this section. A town may not adopt an ordinance
under this section during a year in which municipal elections
are held under IC 3-10-6-5.
(b) A town legislative body has the following members:
(1) Five (5) members, each elected by the voters of a district.
The districts are established by ordinance by the town
legislative body as provided in this chapter.
(2) Two (2) members elected at large by all the voters of the
town.
(c) An ordinance adopted under this section must provide for the
following:
(1) Four (4) members of the legislative body are elected during
a year that municipal elections are held under IC 3-10-6-5.
(2) Three (3) members of the legislative body are elected either:
(A) during the year before the year described in subdivision
(1); or
(B) during the year after the year described in subdivision
(1).
The year for elections under this subdivision must be chosen so
that during the elections held for the town legislative body
under subdivision (4), a member of the town legislative body
does not serve a term of more than four (4) years.
(3) The members of the legislative body elected at large may
not be elected at the same time.
(4) At the first two (2) elections after the ordinance is adopted,
members are elected to serve the following terms:
(A) Two (2) members elected under subdivision (1) are
elected to a four (4) year term and two (2) members elected
under subdivision (1) are elected to a three (3) year term.
(B) Two (2) members elected under subdivision (2) are
elected to a four (4) year term and one (1) member elected
under subdivision (2) is elected to a three (3) year term.
The ordinance must provide a random procedure to determine
which members serve four (4) year terms and which members
serve three (3) year terms.
(5) A member of the town council elected after the elections
described in subdivision (4) serves a term of four (4) years.
(6) The term of office of a member begins at noon January 1
after the member's election.
(d) An ordinance adopted under this section may provide that
before the first election after adoption of the ordinance, members of
the town legislative body added to the legislative body by the
ordinance may be appointed to the legislative body by a vote of the
current members of the legislative body.
(e) After the first two (2) elections held as described in subsection
(c)(4), the town legislative body may adopt an ordinance to do the
following:
(1) Divide the town into seven (7) districts.
(2) Provide that the members elected at large are each elected
from a district.
An ordinance adopted under this subsection must comply with this
chapter in establishing the districts and provide details to provide a
transition from electing two (2) members at large to electing all
members from districts.
(f) Subject to this section, members of the town legislative body
are elected as provided in IC 3-10-6-4.5. As added by P.L.38-1999, SEC.72. Amended by P.L.14-2000,
SEC.81.
IC 36-5-2-5 Representation by district, at large, or both
Sec. 5. (a) The legislative body has:
(1) one (1) member for each district established under:
(A) IC 36-5-1-10.1; or
(B) section 4.1 or 4.2 of this chapter; or
(2) the number of members provided for when the town adopted
an ordinance under section 4.1 of this chapter abolishing town
legislative body districts.
(b) The legislative body shall provide by ordinance that its
members:
(1) are to be elected by the voters of the district in which they
reside;
(2) are to be elected at large by the voters of the whole town; or
(3) are to be elected both by districts and at-large.
(c) If a town legislative body adopts an ordinance under this
section providing that its members are to be elected both by districts
and at-large, the ordinance must:
(1) specify which seats on the legislative body are elected by
the voters of a district and which are elected by the voters of the
whole town; and
(2) provide that the ordinance is effective on January 1
following its adoption. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.33, SEC.27; P.L.11-1988, SEC.13; P.L.7-1990, SEC.63.
IC 36-5-2-6 Residency requirement
Sec. 6. (a) A member of the legislative body must reside within:
(1) the town as provided in Article 6, Section 6 of the
Constitution of the State of Indiana; and
(2) the district from which the member was elected, if
applicable.
(b) A member of the legislative body who is elected by the voters
of a district forfeits office if the member ceases to be a resident of
the district.
(c) A member of the legislative body who is elected by the voters
of the entire town but is elected or selected as a candidate from a
district forfeits office if the member ceases to be a resident of the
district.
(d) An at-large member of the legislative body forfeits office if
the member ceases to be a resident of the town. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.3-1987,
SEC.561; P.L.3-1993, SEC.275.
IC 36-5-2-6.5 Circumstances creating a vacancy on the town council
Sec. 6.5. A vacancy on the legislative body is created whenever
any of the following circumstances occur:
(1) A member resigns.
(2) A member dies.
(3) A member ceases to be a resident of the town or district as
set forth in section 6 of this chapter. As added by P.L.174-2002, SEC.5.
IC 36-5-2-7 President of legislative body; selection; term
Sec. 7. The legislative body shall select one (1) of its members to
be its president for a definite term, which may not exceed his term of
office as a member of the legislative body. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-8 Town clerk-treasurer as clerk; ex officio member for casting tie
breaking vote
Sec. 8. (a) The town clerk-treasurer is the clerk of the legislative
body.
(b) The clerk-treasurer is an ex officio member for the purpose of
casting the deciding vote to break a tie. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.34-1999,
SEC.3.
IC 36-5-2-9 Powers of legislative body
Sec. 9. The legislative body may:
(1) adopt ordinances and resolutions for the performance of
functions of the town;
(2) purchase, hold, and convey any interest in property, for the
use of the town; and
(3) adopt and use a common seal. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-9.2 Quorum
Sec. 9.2. A majority of all the elected members of the legislative
body constitutes a quorum. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.14.
IC 36-5-2-9.4 Majority vote; two-thirds vote
Sec. 9.4. (a) A requirement that an ordinance, resolution, or other
action of the legislative body be passed by a majority vote means at
least a majority vote of all the elected members.
(b) A requirement that an ordinance, resolution, or other action of
the legislative body be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote means at
least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the elected members. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.15.
IC 36-5-2-9.6 Majority vote to pass ordinance
Sec. 9.6. A majority vote of the legislative body is required to
pass an ordinance, unless a greater vote is required by statute. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.16.
IC 36-5-2-9.8 Two-thirds vote with unanimous consent of members present
Sec. 9.8. (a) A two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the elected members,
after unanimous consent of the members present to consider the
ordinance, is required to pass an ordinance of the legislative body on
the same day or at the same meeting at which it is introduced.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to the following:
(1) A zoning ordinance or amendment to a zoning ordinance
adopted under IC 36-7.
(2) An ordinance to increase the number of town legislative
body members adopted under section 4.2 of this chapter, unless
the ordinance also establishes new legislative body districts. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.17. Amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.33, SEC.28; P.L.335-1985, SEC.37; P.L.3-1993, SEC.276.
IC 36-5-2-10 Ordinance, order, or resolution adoption; requirements
Sec. 10. (a) An ordinance, order, or resolution passed by the
legislative body is considered adopted when it is signed by the
executive. If required by statute, an adopted ordinance, order, or
resolution must be promulgated or published before it takes effect.
(b) An ordinance prescribing a penalty for a violation must, before
it takes effect, be published in the manner prescribed by IC 5-3-1,
unless:
(1) it is published under IC 36-1-5; or
(2) it declares an emergency requiring its immediate
effectiveness and is posted in:
(A) one (1) public place in each district in the town; or
(B) a number of public places in the town equal to the
number of town legislative body members, if the town has
abolished legislative body districts under section 4.1 of this
chapter.
(c) This section does not apply to a zoning ordinance or
amendment to a zoning ordinance, or a resolution approving a
comprehensive plan, that is adopted under IC 36-7.
(d) An ordinance increasing a building permit fee on new
development must:
(1) be published:
(A) one (1) time in accordance with IC 5-3-1; and
(B) not later than thirty (30) days after the ordinance is
adopted by the legislative body in accordance with IC 5-3-1;
and
(2) delay the implementation of the fee increase for ninety (90)
days after the date the ordinance is published under subdivision
(1).
(e) The legislative body shall:
(1) subject to subsection (f), give written notice to the
department of environmental management not later than sixty
(60) days before amendment or repeal of an environmental
restrictive ordinance; and
(2) give written notice to the department of environmental
management not later than thirty (30) days after passage,
amendment, or repeal of an environmental restrictive ordinance.
(f) Upon written request by the legislative body, the department
of environmental management may waive the notice requirement of
subsection (e)(1).
(g) An environmental restrictive ordinance passed or amended
after 2009 by the legislative body must state the notice requirements
of subsection (e).
(h) The failure of an environmental restrictive ordinance to
comply with subsection (g) does not void the ordinance. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1980,
P.L.73, SEC.18; P.L.335-1985, SEC.38; P.L.7-1990, SEC.64;
P.L.100-2003, SEC.3; P.L.78-2009, SEC.26.
IC 36-5-2-10.2 Recording of adopted ordinance; presumptive evidence
Sec. 10.2. Within a reasonable time after an ordinance of the
legislative body is adopted, the clerk-treasurer shall record it in a
book kept for that purpose. The record must include:
(1) the signature of the executive;
(2) the attestation of the clerk-treasurer; and
(3) the date of each recorded item.
The record or a certified copy of it constitutes presumptive evidence
of the adoption of the ordinance. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.19.
IC 36-5-2-11 Bond issuance, purpose, payments, and procedure; short term
loans
Sec. 11. (a) The legislative body may issue bonds for the purpose
of procuring money to be used in the exercise of the powers of the
town and for the payment of town debts. However, a town may not
issue bonds to procure money to pay current expenses.
(b) Bonds issued under this section are payable in the amounts
and at the times determined by the legislative body.
(c) Bonds issued under this section are subject to the provisions
of IC 5-1 and IC 6-1.1-20 relating to the following:
(1) The filing of a petition requesting the issuance of bonds and
giving notice of the petition.
(2) The giving of notice of a hearing on the appropriation of the
proceeds of bonds.
(3) The right of taxpayers to appear and be heard on the
proposed appropriation.
(4) The approval of the appropriation by the department of local
government finance.
(5) The right of:
(A) taxpayers and voters to remonstrate against the issuance
of bonds in the case of a proposed bond issue described by
IC 6-1.1-20-3.1(a); or
(B) voters to vote on the issuance of bonds in the case of a
proposed bond issue described by IC 6-1.1-20-3.5(a).
(6) The sale of bonds at public sale for not less than their par
value.
(d) The legislative body may, by ordinance, make loans of money
for not more than five (5) years and issue notes for the purpose of
refunding those loans. The loans may be made only for the purpose
of procuring money to be used in the exercise of the powers of the
town, and the total amount of outstanding loans under this subsection
may not exceed five percent (5%) of the town's total tax levy in the
current year (excluding amounts levied to pay debt service and lease
rentals). Loans under this subsection shall be made as follows:
(1) The ordinance authorizing the loans must pledge to their
payment a sufficient amount of tax revenues over the ensuing
five (5) years to provide for refunding the loans.
(2) The loans must be evidenced by notes of the town in terms
designating the nature of the consideration, the time and place
payable, and the revenues out of which they will be payable.
(3) The interest accruing on the notes to the date of maturity
may be added to and included in their face value or be made
payable periodically, as provided in the ordinance.
Notes issued under this subsection are not bonded indebtedness for
purposes of IC 6-1.1-18.5. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.37-1988,
SEC.24; P.L.90-2002, SEC.471; P.L.219-2007, SEC.116;
P.L.146-2008, SEC.708.
IC 36-5-2-12 Loans and notes; procedures; actions to contest validity
Sec. 12. (a) The legislative body may, by ordinance, make loans
and issue notes for the purpose of refunding those loans in
anticipation of revenues of the town that are anticipated to be levied
and collected during the term of the loans. The term of a loan made
under this subsection may not be more than five (5) years. Loans
under this section shall be made in the same manner as loans made
under section 11(b) and 11(c) of this chapter, except that:
(1) the ordinance authorizing the loans must appropriate and
pledge to the payment of the loans a sufficient amount of the
revenues in anticipation of which the loans are issued and out
of which the loans are payable; and
(2) the loans must be evidenced by time warrants of the town in
terms designating the nature of the consideration, the time and
place payable, and the revenues in anticipation of which the
loans are issued and out of which the loans are payable.
(b) An action to contest the validity of a loan made under this
section must be brought within fifteen (15) days from the day on
which the ordinance is adopted. As added by P.L.35-1990, SEC.45. Amended by P.L.40-1996,
SEC.11.
IC 36-5-2-13 Removal of town employee
Sec. 13. The town executive must have the approval of a majority
of the town council before the executive may discharge, reduce in
grade under IC 36-8-3-4, or remove a town employee. As added by P.L.34-1999, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2
Chapter 2. Town Legislative Body and Executive
IC 36-5-2-1 Application of chapter
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to all towns. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-2 Town council; president
Sec. 2. The town council elected under IC 3-10-6 or IC 3-10-7 is
the town legislative body. The president of the town council selected
under section 7 of this chapter is the town executive. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.5-1986,
SEC.55; P.L.8-1989, SEC.97.
IC 36-5-2-3 Term of office of members
Sec. 3. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f),
the term of office of a member of the legislative body is four (4)
years, beginning at noon January 1 after the member's election and
continuing until the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(b) The term of office of a member of the legislative body
appointed to fill a vacancy resulting from an increase in the number
of town legislative body members under section 4.2 of this chapter:
(1) begins when the ordinance increasing the number of
legislative body members takes effect, or when the member is
appointed under IC 3-13-9-4, if the appointment is made after
the ordinance takes effect; and
(2) continues until noon January 1 following the next municipal
election scheduled under IC 3-10-6-5 or IC 3-10-7-6 and until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(c) The term of office of a member of the legislative body elected
under IC 36-5-1-10.1 following the incorporation of the town:
(1) begins at noon November 30 following the election; and
(2) continues until noon January 1 following the next municipal
election scheduled under IC 3-10-6-5 or IC 3-10-7-6 and until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(d) The term of office of a member of the legislative body subject
to IC 3-10-6-2.5(d)(1) is three (3) years, beginning at noon January
1 after the member's election and continuing until the member's
successor is elected and qualified.
(e) The term of office of a member of a legislative body subject
to an ordinance described by IC 3-10-6-2.6 is one (1) year, beginning
at noon January 1 after the member's election and continuing until
the member's successor is elected and qualified.
(f) The term of office of a member of a legislative body subject to
an ordinance described by IC 3-10-7-2.7 is:
(1) three (3) years if the member is elected at the next municipal
election not conducted in a general election year; and
(2) four (4) years for the successors of a member of a legislative
body described in subdivision (1);
beginning noon January 1 after election and continuing until a
successor is elected and qualified. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.3-1993,
SEC.272; P.L.4-1996, SEC.103.
IC 36-5-2-4
Repealed
(Repealed by Acts 1980, P.L.2, SEC.20.)
IC 36-5-2-4.1 Town legislative body districts; standards; crossing precinct
boundaries; appeal; when division to be made; towns of less than
3,500 abolishing districts; ordinances; towns within consolidated
city
Sec. 4.1. (a) The legislative body may, by ordinance, divide the
town into districts for the purpose of conducting elections of town
officers.
(b) A town legislative body district must comply with the
following standards:
(1) The district must be composed of contiguous territory,
except for territory that is not contiguous to any other part of
the town.
(2) The district must be reasonably compact.
(3) The district must contain, as nearly as is possible, equal
population.
(4) The district may not cross a census block boundary except
when following a precinct boundary line or unless the ordinance
specifies that the census block has no population and is not
likely to ever have population.
(5) The district may not cross precinct lines, except as provided
in subsection (c).
(c) The boundary of a town legislative body district established
under subsection (a) may cross a precinct boundary line if:
(1) the legislative body provides by ordinance under section 5
of this chapter that all legislative body members are to be
elected at large by the voters of the whole town; or
(2) the district would not otherwise contain, as nearly as is
possible, equal population.
(d) If any territory in the town is not included in one (1) of the
districts established under this section, the territory is included in the
district that:
(1) is contiguous to that territory; and
(2) contains the least population of all districts contiguous to
that territory.
(e) If any territory in the town is included in more than one (1) of
the districts established under this section, the territory is included
in the district that:
(1) is one (1) of the districts in which the territory is described
in the ordinance adopted under this section;
(2) is contiguous to that territory; and
(3) contains the least population of all districts contiguous to
that territory.
(f) The ordinance may be appealed in the manner prescribed by
IC 34-13-6. If the town is located in two (2) or more counties, the
appeal may be filed in the circuit or superior court of any of those
counties.
(g) This subsection does not apply to a town with an ordinance
described by subsection (h). The division permitted by subsection (a)
shall be made:
(1) during the second year after a year in which a federal
decennial census is conducted, subject to IC 3-11-1.5-32; and
(2) when required to assign annexed territory to a municipal
legislative body district.
The division may also be made in any other year.
(h) This subsection applies to a town having a population of less
than three thousand five hundred (3,500). The town legislative body
may adopt an ordinance providing that:
(1) town legislative body districts are abolished; and
(2) all members of the legislative body are elected at large.
(i) An ordinance described by subsection (h):
(1) may not be adopted or repealed during a year in which a
municipal election is scheduled to be conducted in the town
under IC 3-10-6 or IC 3-10-7; and
(2) is effective upon passage.
(j) A copy of the ordinance establishing districts under this
section must be filed with the circuit court clerk of the county that
contains the greatest population of the town not later than thirty (30)
days after the ordinance is adopted. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.2, SEC.17. Amended by P.L.13-1988,
SEC.20; P.L.5-1989, SEC.115; P.L.7-1990, SEC.62; P.L.4-1991,
SEC.146; P.L.3-1993, SEC.273; P.L.2-1995, SEC.130; P.L.3-1997,
SEC.464; P.L.1-1998, SEC.205; P.L.230-2005, SEC.88.
IC 36-5-2-4.2 Change in number of members in legislative body; resolution;
implementation
Sec. 4.2. (a) This section applies to the alteration of the number
of members of a legislative body.
(b) The legislative body may adopt a resolution to submit a public
question on the number of legislative body members to the voters of
the town. The resolution must state the following:
(1) The proposed number of legislative body members, which
must be at least three (3) and not more than seven (7).
(2) The date of the general, municipal, or special election at
which the public question will appear on the ballot.
(3) That the following question will be placed on the ballot in
the form provided by IC 3-10-9-4:
"Shall the number of town council members be increased (or
decreased, if applicable) from ___________ (insert the
current number of members provided for) to _________
(insert the number of members proposed in the resolution)?".
(c) IC 3 applies to an election conducted under subsection (b). If
the county election board will conduct the election at which the
public question will be submitted, the question must be certified to
the board under IC 3-10-9-3.
(d) If a majority of the votes cast on the question under subsection
(b) are in the negative, the legislative body may not adopt a
resolution under subsection (b) for at least one (1) year following the
date the prior resolution was adopted.
(e) If a majority of votes cast on the question under subsection (b)
are in the affirmative, the legislative body shall adopt an ordinance
at its next regular meeting following the election altering the number
of legislative body members to the number specified in the public
question. The legislative body may also alter existing districts and
establish new districts in the manner prescribed by IC 36-5-1-10.1.
An ordinance adopted under this subsection becomes effective
January 1 following its adoption.
(f) If the number of legislative body members is increased, the
legislative body shall fill any resulting vacancy under IC 3-13-9-4.
The legislative body may fill the vacancy before the ordinance
described in subsection (e) takes effect. However, a town legislative
body member appointed under this subsection does not assume office
until the beginning of the term specified in section 3 of this chapter. As added by P.L.11-1988, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.8-1989, SEC.98;
P.L.1-1990, SEC.359; P.L.3-1993, SEC.274.
IC 36-5-2-4.5 Adoption of ordinances; elections
Sec. 4.5. (a) This section applies to a town if both of the following
apply:
(1) The town has a population of more than ten thousand
(10,000).
(2) The town legislative body adopts an ordinance adopting the
provisions of this section. A town may not adopt an ordinance
under this section during a year in which municipal elections
are held under IC 3-10-6-5.
(b) A town legislative body has the following members:
(1) Five (5) members, each elected by the voters of a district.
The districts are established by ordinance by the town
legislative body as provided in this chapter.
(2) Two (2) members elected at large by all the voters of the
town.
(c) An ordinance adopted under this section must provide for the
following:
(1) Four (4) members of the legislative body are elected during
a year that municipal elections are held under IC 3-10-6-5.
(2) Three (3) members of the legislative body are elected either:
(A) during the year before the year described in subdivision
(1); or
(B) during the year after the year described in subdivision
(1).
The year for elections under this subdivision must be chosen so
that during the elections held for the town legislative body
under subdivision (4), a member of the town legislative body
does not serve a term of more than four (4) years.
(3) The members of the legislative body elected at large may
not be elected at the same time.
(4) At the first two (2) elections after the ordinance is adopted,
members are elected to serve the following terms:
(A) Two (2) members elected under subdivision (1) are
elected to a four (4) year term and two (2) members elected
under subdivision (1) are elected to a three (3) year term.
(B) Two (2) members elected under subdivision (2) are
elected to a four (4) year term and one (1) member elected
under subdivision (2) is elected to a three (3) year term.
The ordinance must provide a random procedure to determine
which members serve four (4) year terms and which members
serve three (3) year terms.
(5) A member of the town council elected after the elections
described in subdivision (4) serves a term of four (4) years.
(6) The term of office of a member begins at noon January 1
after the member's election.
(d) An ordinance adopted under this section may provide that
before the first election after adoption of the ordinance, members of
the town legislative body added to the legislative body by the
ordinance may be appointed to the legislative body by a vote of the
current members of the legislative body.
(e) After the first two (2) elections held as described in subsection
(c)(4), the town legislative body may adopt an ordinance to do the
following:
(1) Divide the town into seven (7) districts.
(2) Provide that the members elected at large are each elected
from a district.
An ordinance adopted under this subsection must comply with this
chapter in establishing the districts and provide details to provide a
transition from electing two (2) members at large to electing all
members from districts.
(f) Subject to this section, members of the town legislative body
are elected as provided in IC 3-10-6-4.5. As added by P.L.38-1999, SEC.72. Amended by P.L.14-2000,
SEC.81.
IC 36-5-2-5 Representation by district, at large, or both
Sec. 5. (a) The legislative body has:
(1) one (1) member for each district established under:
(A) IC 36-5-1-10.1; or
(B) section 4.1 or 4.2 of this chapter; or
(2) the number of members provided for when the town adopted
an ordinance under section 4.1 of this chapter abolishing town
legislative body districts.
(b) The legislative body shall provide by ordinance that its
members:
(1) are to be elected by the voters of the district in which they
reside;
(2) are to be elected at large by the voters of the whole town; or
(3) are to be elected both by districts and at-large.
(c) If a town legislative body adopts an ordinance under this
section providing that its members are to be elected both by districts
and at-large, the ordinance must:
(1) specify which seats on the legislative body are elected by
the voters of a district and which are elected by the voters of the
whole town; and
(2) provide that the ordinance is effective on January 1
following its adoption. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.33, SEC.27; P.L.11-1988, SEC.13; P.L.7-1990, SEC.63.
IC 36-5-2-6 Residency requirement
Sec. 6. (a) A member of the legislative body must reside within:
(1) the town as provided in Article 6, Section 6 of the
Constitution of the State of Indiana; and
(2) the district from which the member was elected, if
applicable.
(b) A member of the legislative body who is elected by the voters
of a district forfeits office if the member ceases to be a resident of
the district.
(c) A member of the legislative body who is elected by the voters
of the entire town but is elected or selected as a candidate from a
district forfeits office if the member ceases to be a resident of the
district.
(d) An at-large member of the legislative body forfeits office if
the member ceases to be a resident of the town. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.3-1987,
SEC.561; P.L.3-1993, SEC.275.
IC 36-5-2-6.5 Circumstances creating a vacancy on the town council
Sec. 6.5. A vacancy on the legislative body is created whenever
any of the following circumstances occur:
(1) A member resigns.
(2) A member dies.
(3) A member ceases to be a resident of the town or district as
set forth in section 6 of this chapter. As added by P.L.174-2002, SEC.5.
IC 36-5-2-7 President of legislative body; selection; term
Sec. 7. The legislative body shall select one (1) of its members to
be its president for a definite term, which may not exceed his term of
office as a member of the legislative body. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-8 Town clerk-treasurer as clerk; ex officio member for casting tie
breaking vote
Sec. 8. (a) The town clerk-treasurer is the clerk of the legislative
body.
(b) The clerk-treasurer is an ex officio member for the purpose of
casting the deciding vote to break a tie. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.34-1999,
SEC.3.
IC 36-5-2-9 Powers of legislative body
Sec. 9. The legislative body may:
(1) adopt ordinances and resolutions for the performance of
functions of the town;
(2) purchase, hold, and convey any interest in property, for the
use of the town; and
(3) adopt and use a common seal. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4.
IC 36-5-2-9.2 Quorum
Sec. 9.2. A majority of all the elected members of the legislative
body constitutes a quorum. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.14.
IC 36-5-2-9.4 Majority vote; two-thirds vote
Sec. 9.4. (a) A requirement that an ordinance, resolution, or other
action of the legislative body be passed by a majority vote means at
least a majority vote of all the elected members.
(b) A requirement that an ordinance, resolution, or other action of
the legislative body be passed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote means at
least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the elected members. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.15.
IC 36-5-2-9.6 Majority vote to pass ordinance
Sec. 9.6. A majority vote of the legislative body is required to
pass an ordinance, unless a greater vote is required by statute. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.16.
IC 36-5-2-9.8 Two-thirds vote with unanimous consent of members present
Sec. 9.8. (a) A two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the elected members,
after unanimous consent of the members present to consider the
ordinance, is required to pass an ordinance of the legislative body on
the same day or at the same meeting at which it is introduced.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to the following:
(1) A zoning ordinance or amendment to a zoning ordinance
adopted under IC 36-7.
(2) An ordinance to increase the number of town legislative
body members adopted under section 4.2 of this chapter, unless
the ordinance also establishes new legislative body districts. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.17. Amended by Acts 1982,
P.L.33, SEC.28; P.L.335-1985, SEC.37; P.L.3-1993, SEC.276.
IC 36-5-2-10 Ordinance, order, or resolution adoption; requirements
Sec. 10. (a) An ordinance, order, or resolution passed by the
legislative body is considered adopted when it is signed by the
executive. If required by statute, an adopted ordinance, order, or
resolution must be promulgated or published before it takes effect.
(b) An ordinance prescribing a penalty for a violation must, before
it takes effect, be published in the manner prescribed by IC 5-3-1,
unless:
(1) it is published under IC 36-1-5; or
(2) it declares an emergency requiring its immediate
effectiveness and is posted in:
(A) one (1) public place in each district in the town; or
(B) a number of public places in the town equal to the
number of town legislative body members, if the town has
abolished legislative body districts under section 4.1 of this
chapter.
(c) This section does not apply to a zoning ordinance or
amendment to a zoning ordinance, or a resolution approving a
comprehensive plan, that is adopted under IC 36-7.
(d) An ordinance increasing a building permit fee on new
development must:
(1) be published:
(A) one (1) time in accordance with IC 5-3-1; and
(B) not later than thirty (30) days after the ordinance is
adopted by the legislative body in accordance with IC 5-3-1;
and
(2) delay the implementation of the fee increase for ninety (90)
days after the date the ordinance is published under subdivision
(1).
(e) The legislative body shall:
(1) subject to subsection (f), give written notice to the
department of environmental management not later than sixty
(60) days before amendment or repeal of an environmental
restrictive ordinance; and
(2) give written notice to the department of environmental
management not later than thirty (30) days after passage,
amendment, or repeal of an environmental restrictive ordinance.
(f) Upon written request by the legislative body, the department
of environmental management may waive the notice requirement of
subsection (e)(1).
(g) An environmental restrictive ordinance passed or amended
after 2009 by the legislative body must state the notice requirements
of subsection (e).
(h) The failure of an environmental restrictive ordinance to
comply with subsection (g) does not void the ordinance. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by Acts 1980,
P.L.73, SEC.18; P.L.335-1985, SEC.38; P.L.7-1990, SEC.64;
P.L.100-2003, SEC.3; P.L.78-2009, SEC.26.
IC 36-5-2-10.2 Recording of adopted ordinance; presumptive evidence
Sec. 10.2. Within a reasonable time after an ordinance of the
legislative body is adopted, the clerk-treasurer shall record it in a
book kept for that purpose. The record must include:
(1) the signature of the executive;
(2) the attestation of the clerk-treasurer; and
(3) the date of each recorded item.
The record or a certified copy of it constitutes presumptive evidence
of the adoption of the ordinance. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.73, SEC.19.
IC 36-5-2-11 Bond issuance, purpose, payments, and procedure; short term
loans
Sec. 11. (a) The legislative body may issue bonds for the purpose
of procuring money to be used in the exercise of the powers of the
town and for the payment of town debts. However, a town may not
issue bonds to procure money to pay current expenses.
(b) Bonds issued under this section are payable in the amounts
and at the times determined by the legislative body.
(c) Bonds issued under this section are subject to the provisions
of IC 5-1 and IC 6-1.1-20 relating to the following:
(1) The filing of a petition requesting the issuance of bonds and
giving notice of the petition.
(2) The giving of notice of a hearing on the appropriation of the
proceeds of bonds.
(3) The right of taxpayers to appear and be heard on the
proposed appropriation.
(4) The approval of the appropriation by the department of local
government finance.
(5) The right of:
(A) taxpayers and voters to remonstrate against the issuance
of bonds in the case of a proposed bond issue described by
IC 6-1.1-20-3.1(a); or
(B) voters to vote on the issuance of bonds in the case of a
proposed bond issue described by IC 6-1.1-20-3.5(a).
(6) The sale of bonds at public sale for not less than their par
value.
(d) The legislative body may, by ordinance, make loans of money
for not more than five (5) years and issue notes for the purpose of
refunding those loans. The loans may be made only for the purpose
of procuring money to be used in the exercise of the powers of the
town, and the total amount of outstanding loans under this subsection
may not exceed five percent (5%) of the town's total tax levy in the
current year (excluding amounts levied to pay debt service and lease
rentals). Loans under this subsection shall be made as follows:
(1) The ordinance authorizing the loans must pledge to their
payment a sufficient amount of tax revenues over the ensuing
five (5) years to provide for refunding the loans.
(2) The loans must be evidenced by notes of the town in terms
designating the nature of the consideration, the time and place
payable, and the revenues out of which they will be payable.
(3) The interest accruing on the notes to the date of maturity
may be added to and included in their face value or be made
payable periodically, as provided in the ordinance.
Notes issued under this subsection are not bonded indebtedness for
purposes of IC 6-1.1-18.5. As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.37-1988,
SEC.24; P.L.90-2002, SEC.471; P.L.219-2007, SEC.116;
P.L.146-2008, SEC.708.
IC 36-5-2-12 Loans and notes; procedures; actions to contest validity
Sec. 12. (a) The legislative body may, by ordinance, make loans
and issue notes for the purpose of refunding those loans in
anticipation of revenues of the town that are anticipated to be levied
and collected during the term of the loans. The term of a loan made
under this subsection may not be more than five (5) years. Loans
under this section shall be made in the same manner as loans made
under section 11(b) and 11(c) of this chapter, except that:
(1) the ordinance authorizing the loans must appropriate and
pledge to the payment of the loans a sufficient amount of the
revenues in anticipation of which the loans are issued and out
of which the loans are payable; and
(2) the loans must be evidenced by time warrants of the town in
terms designating the nature of the consideration, the time and
place payable, and the revenues in anticipation of which the
loans are issued and out of which the loans are payable.
(b) An action to contest the validity of a loan made under this
section must be brought within fifteen (15) days from the day on
which the ordinance is adopted. As added by P.L.35-1990, SEC.45. Amended by P.L.40-1996,
SEC.11.
IC 36-5-2-13 Removal of town employee
Sec. 13. The town executive must have the approval of a majority
of the town council before the executive may discharge, reduce in
grade under IC 36-8-3-4, or remove a town employee. As added by P.L.34-1999, SEC.4.
