Clayton council asks attorney to study Indiana reorganization law after public-plan hearing

Council members raised concerns about future land-use changes and the risk of annexation during a public hearing on a comprehensive plan update. Unidentified Speaker 1 recounted turnout at the county public hearing and said the town should investigate options to retain local control.

Members referenced a recent example in Sheridan and discussed state law that governs municipal reorganization. Unidentified Speaker 1 told the council a county office contact and a state elections lawyer recommended first talking with the town attorney and then surveying stakeholders; a preliminary plan and paperwork would need to be in the county office by August 1 if the town wanted the reorganization question on the November ballot.

Unidentified Speaker 1 summarized the next step: "first request is that we are asking Graham to to work on this over the next, couple weeks or so," and asked for a written summary to be provided at the February meeting. Council members emphasized the need to speak with township officials and residents and to collect questions for Sheridan officials who had completed a similar process.

The council did not take a formal vote to initiate reorganization; it directed staff to collect information, consult the attorney, and return with a recommendation and timeline so residents could be informed before any formal ballot question.