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Fishers, IN
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Proposed Geist Unification
Welcome to the Town of Fishers' Geist Unification page.  This page will be updated as necessary and contains all previously released Geist information.  As always, we encourage you to provide feedback or to submit suggestions and/or questions by clicking here.
 
The recent Town newsletter regarding the unification was intended to inform our residents and to get their opinions and suggestions (see below).  It also has raised questions.  Town officials have prepared answers to questions raised specifically from the newsletter.  Click here to view the answers (this list will be updated as questions continue to come in, and we encourage you to offer your opinion/ask questions.  It is imperative that our citizenry is fully informed.).
 
Here's what some of your Fishers neighbors have been saying regarding the proposed annexation (and please, feel free to use the link above to leave a comment-each one is useful and appreciated):
 

"If they don't want to become part of Fishers that's fine and if the proposed anexation fails so be it. If this does not go through the City of Fishers needs to then up the cost of all services currently being provided to the same levels that Fishers residents pay or cease to provide the services all together."

"I have to say that it offends me that given the median income of the area to be annexed that so many residents balk at what their taxes will increase. It is very clear that Geist residents are not paying their full share towards the services that they receive. I have listened to all of their arguments and cannot find one that sounds reasonable. If they do not want to be annexed by Fishers then let Indianapolisannex them and they will see just how much more their taxes will increase. Indianapolis's tax base is much higher than Fisher's tax base. I have to say if I lived in the Geist area I do not think I could find a logical argument against annexation."

"I am in favor of the annexation of the Geist area and ALL the "Swiss Cheese" open areas that are not incorporated. Residents of these areas should pay their fair share of taxes. Their signs around town that say "Friends don't let friends get annexed" are an insult to all of us who do pay our fair share of taxes PLUS their share!!! "Friends don't let their friends pay all the taxes!" What is the current status of the Geist annexation? When will the annexation take place so those tacky orange signs can be removed! Also, Does Fishers plan to fill in ALL the gaps around town with annexation?"

"I have a question regarding the response to the amount paid for fire services by Geist. The response was "The 2006 contract with Fall Creek Township totals $1,374,550.55" However, part of Fall Creek Township is within the Fishers Town limits and pay full taxes to Fishers. (Hamilton Proper for one). Is there a breakdown that shows how much is paid from Fishers residents in Fall Creek Township vs. non-Fishers residents? Thank you."
  • The 2006 Total Property Tax Rate for FallCreekTownship is $1.97620 per $100 of assessed value.  The Township portion of the Total Property Tax Rate is $0.08580 with $0.06210 being the fire service share.  As a comparison, the Total Property Tax Rate for Fishers residents within FallCreekTownship is $2.25990 per $100 of assessed value.  The FallCreekTownshipportion for Fishers residents is $0.01030.  The total 2006 contract amount for the full year for The Town of Fishers to provide fire service to FallCreekTownshipis $1,849,093.10.  However, $212,953 was credited toward the purchase of the Fall Creek Fire Station resulting in a paid contract amount to the Town of Fishersby FallCreekTownshipof $1,619,781.07.  The previous contract amount of $1,374,550.55 covered only 9-months of fire service.
"This is a very interesting subject and as a Fishers Resident I would like to know how much tax payer money has been spent on it. Please provide a breakdown of the costs including the mailer that was sent out to us."
  • The mailer cost approximately $8,000 to create, print, and mail.
"I would like to simplify the situation in three words for all Geist residents in the annexation area: 'Welcome to Fishers.'"

 

"It is time for everyone to be unfied as "Fishers, Indiana" and come together. Everyone needs to pay their fair share, as I do as a taxpayer. Do you know that we continue to lose firefighters to other departments because of the low pay?"

 

Just how much did Geist pay the Town of Fishers for Fire protection last year? I hear Geist saying they pay their fair share, I hear Fishers say they don't pay their fair share. How much did Geist pay last year?
  • The 2006 contract with Fall Creek Township totals $1,374,550.55.
 
"Didn't you say that the HSE Sports did not pay fees to Fishers Parks? According to HSE Sports, Fishers Youth Soccer League has provided nearly $160,000 to the parks and schools for capital improvements HSE Youth Baseball & Softball has made donations of more than $150,000 in capital improvements to school and park fields including lighting Eller Road Park Fields and upgrades to BillericayPark."
  • No fees paid by SPORTS youth participants are paid to the Town of Fishers for field use.  Nor does the Town charge the SPORTS organization for the use of fields.  SPORTS has contributed to field and facility improvements, but not the acquisition of park land or major capital construction costs of Town parks. 
"How much of the funding of 116th street was funded by Federal Funds vs Hamilton County Funds vs Fishers pocket? How much is Fishers spending this year vs How much is Hamilton County spending on the road projects continually pointed to?"
  • No federal funds were used to fund the construction of 116th Street east of I-69.  Hamilton County paid for two small bridges on that section of roadway.  The entire road construction cost was paid for by Fishers residents through their municipal taxes.

"Again, I think you are not being completely truthful on what Geist pays for fire service. Didn't Geist provide emergency vehicles for the area? Doesn't the equipment at the Fall Creek Township respond to Fishers call also? Isn't a building considered a significant capital investment? How many calls to Geist did Fishers Fire provide vs. how much was paid? This would be a fairer measure of paying a fair share."
  • The Town has never attempted to hide the fact that Fall Creek Township provides the Fire Station under the current contractual arrangement.  The Town of Fishers is responsible for all the building operation costs for the fire station including heat, electricity, water and sewer.  The Fall Creek Township currently owns a chassis for a tanker, 25% of a reserve engine, and 35% percent of the boat used by the Fire Department for fire coverage on Geist Reservoir.  Although the Town of Fishers is appreciative of the Township's contributions to assist with fire protection, three (3) additional fire stations from the Town of Fishers respond to Geist area calls.

"I wish to thank the Town of Fishers for providing a true and fair representation of the current annexation situation. Anyone who "is offended" or thinks the information is "distorted" just simply doesn't want to hear the truth. How much might these folks save on their HOA dues if they weren't paying for things like private police protection, snow removal and septic maintenance? After reading this document it's obvious to me that the spin and distortion is coming more from the group opposed to it."

 

"It's strange that people in Geist think that just because they are annexed that their mailing address will change. Real estate agents sell the schools and the neighborhoods but not the town itself."

 
"I believe your characterization regarding Geist not paying its share is unfair. For example, didn't Geist foot half the bill for the new Fishers Police Boat with LawrenceTownship paying much of the rest? Doesn't Geist provide the 116th streetfire station rent free to the Fishers Fire Dept?"
  • The boat in reference is a Fire Department Rescue Operations boat.  65 percent of the boat cost came from a fundraising project in cooperation with Geist Lake Coalition and 35 percent came from Fall Creek Township, of which Fishers Town residents also pay township taxes.  Although the Town of Fishers is appreciative of the funding to help provide safety for Geist Reservoir, it is a far cry from the millions of dollars Fishers Town residents provide for a first class fire department for the community.  Fire Station 92 is provided by Fall Creek Township as part of the contractual agreement with the Town of Fishers to provide fire and rescue services.  However, the agreement does not charge township residents for major infrastructure and capital costs needed to provide these services. 
"If the people of Geist are enjoying free services, as asserted by the Town Council, then it should be examined how this came to be. Is it that the people of Geist wrote some laws to make it so? No, it must be that if it is so, then the way it came to be is that the Town Council gave away the store. There is no other way that Fishers services could have been delivered to the people of Geist. Also, let's be careful about the slippery slope. Do the people of Fishers enjoy the roads and the other services provided by Indianapolis? Should we Fishers residents be paying taxes then to Indianapolis? By this logic, the answer is yes. Well, count me out!"
  • Indiana State Law requires that each and every land parcel must be annexed to be part of a city or town.  As a result, voluntary annexations over a number of years resulted in the "swiss cheese effect."  The current Fishers Town Council is trying to rectify this problem.  The difference between Indianapolis and Fishers and Fishers and Geist is reciprocity; each locality is responsible for providing infrastructure as a reciprocal arrangement and communities and neighborhoods within Indianapolis and Fishers need to pay their respective fair share to each municipality in order to fairly reciprocate.

"As a Fishers resident and former Geist resident, I say let Geist be and let's take away their services so they have to incorporate their own Town. Then they will see what property tax increase really means. If they are so reluctant to pay for the runs our police department make when County is too far away, then they can form their own full time emergency response divisions, pay for their own parks and form their own town council. I personally don't want Geist residents detracting from all of the wonderful things Fishers has to offer. They can keep their smelly lake and over inflated sense of self worth, I'll take Fishers any day."

 
"I think it's ridiculous for those opposing annexation to accuse the Town of trying to stifle their viewpoint. It's obvious to me that opposing comments are also being given equal time. In fact, prior to the Town sending out the recent flyer, the only side heard was the opposition. It's about time those in favor were heard."
 
"Where can I get a copy of the recently mailed flier explaining the annexation?"
  • Contact the Fishers Town Hall and request one (317-595-3111), staff will gladly send you one.

"I support the annexation of all the unincorporated areas. I can't believe anyone from these areas can honestly say they are paying their full share for services. Area road improvements alone should justify annexation. What are the arguments against it? The rise in property taxes doesn't carry any weight due to the current inequity. I urge those in unincorporated areas to be more community minded. I send my kids to private school, but I know my taxes benefit the community as a whole."

"I find it amazing how many current Fishers residents are uninformed and simply interested in a "money grab": 1) The people in the proposed annexation area already pay for the school's our children attend, they're funded by Hamilton County not by the Town of Fishers, which is clearly stated on the Fishers town web site (http://www.fishers.in.us/egov/docs/1152543297_197113.pdf). Those of us who send their children to private schools get screwed either way. 2) We already pay for fire service and police protection. The Fishers fire and police people do help out in this area if needed, much as the Noblesville and Carmel fire and police people help out Fishers when necessary. If Fishers is proposing to provide these services to us where is our tax reduction for the services we already pay for? 3) I know that Fishers residents think driving down the improved 116th St is similar to driving down California Highway 1, but why do we drive down that street at all? It is to spend our money at the businesses that reside off that street who pay taxes to the town of Fishers because of our purchases. Perhaps we should go to another part of the Indianapolis area to spend our consumer dollars, somewhere where our business will be appreciated? 4) If 116th St is such a wonderful street that saves people time why not put tollbooths on each end and see how much traffic you get and how many people frequent the businesses on that street? 5) I think if the town of Fishers is so concerned about the parks and other services this area uses, then make everyone who wants to enter the parks show an ID and if they are not a Fishers resident charge them admission. 6) The real estate agents who continue to quote the intrinsic benefits and greater home value in this area due to having a Fishers address are crazy. The value of homes in this area will neither increase nor decrease due to an address change to Fishers, the schools we already pay for are the biggest attraction for most people interested in buying a home in this area. I can't go to Marsh and buy extra groceries because I have a Fishers address. My home won't increase in value overnight because I get a Fishers address. However, my taxes will go up overnight if I have a Fishers address. 7) The "not paying our fair share" argument is very reminiscent of the Democratic parties class warfare. It is surprising that the town council is made up of entirely Republicans, yet they do use this clearly Democratic strategy. If they are successful in this unwanted annexation, the Republican Party can plan on their "newly annexed residents" helping to vote them out of office in Fishers. I have no problem paying for what I'm using but I do have a problem with uninformed people accusing me of not paying my fair share and with greedy politicians looking to expand their own political career. Do you really think that Mr. Faultless had his property annexed so that he could pay his "fair share" of taxes? Has anyone ever met a politician/lawyer who is interested in being fair? Take a look at the Fishers web site and Mr. Faultless' résumé (https://www.fishers.in.us/egov/apps/directory/list.egov?path=pro&usr=143). He clearly is looking to move up the political ladder and is using Fishers, Geist and our money to further his career. If we truly wanted to be fair to everyone in this area there should be one tax collection agency in this area, Hamilton County. Greed and political ambition are what keeps Fishers and their big sister Carmel on their expansion mode. I for one am wholeheartedly against annexation. PS: Do we get any type of break for Fishers falling further down the list on the Money Magazine best places in America to live?"
  • The Town has never stated that Fishers residents are the only ones that pay for HSE.
  • Geist residents pay for county sheriff services, not the emergency runs that FPD provides, simply because it is quicker for them to get to the Geist-area. The Geist-area is covered by the Fishers Fire Department--at a discounted price.  Both Fishers and Geist residents' property tax is built up of several different taxes (i.e., a portion goes to state, the library system, welfare, schools, township, etc.)Currently, township tax portion of the Geist property tax rate is .0858 cents per $100 of assessed value.  It is this portion of the Geist property tax that pays for fire and EMT services in the area.  If annexed, this rate HAS to go down.
  • Parks:  A user fee for parks (including parks used for S.P.O.R.T.S.) is currently being analyzed.
  • Fishers was one of only 10 communities nationwide to make the "Best Places to Live" list two years in a row.
"As a Geist resident, I am equally repulsed by the attitudes of my neighbors toward unification. This area is special indeed, but we're not above the law and our protectionist policies amount to an illegal and immoral tax-exempt trade zone. It's time to embrace progress by joining our friends and neighbors in the wonderful Town of Fishers."
 
"Why continue to waste all this time and money on annexation talk? And continue to divide our community? Why not move forward with legal annexation and let the residents decide by exercising their legal rights as well."

"I am confident that since my response is not in favor of Annexation that it will be buried at the end of this blog. Notwithstanding here it is. When will the people of Fishers actually find out the truth? We already pay for all of the services we have. You are being blinded by your politicians. Our tax rates are not less than yours. They want to raise our taxes over and above what you and we already pay. I have a friend who unfortunately was sucked into The Fishers Pond when Faultless pulled his illegal "but not criminal" hat trick to get his own property included in Fishers. Anyone who knows the facts is fully aware the he did not follow the law. My unfortunate friend is lucky enough to pay 19K a year in taxes. He gets nothing extra for it. There are no extra police patrols. Fire service is paid for by the county which we all pay taxes to. We all pay for HSE Schools. Note that they are not Fishers Schools. Get the facts before you think we are some kind of fools for not volunteering for a 20%+ Tax increase just so the town of Fishers can increase its Tax Base and Borrowing Capacity. If you want to fight this get your wallet out because we already have."
  • Fishers' property tax rate has been on, essentially, a flat line for several years now.  As a matter of fact, its rate of .3592 per $100 of assessed value is the 147th lowest rate in the state of Indiana.  Those municipalities with a lower tax rate have an average population of 712 (Fishers est. pop. is 60,000).
  • The Geist-area is covered by the Fishers Fire Department--at a discounted price.  Currently, the Geist property tax rate has a .0858 cents per $100 of assessed value Township tax that pays for fire and EMT services in the area.  If annexed, this rate HAS to go down.
  • There are no extra police patrols because, currently, Geist is not a part of the Town of Fishers. There are, however, emergency runs made by FPD on a routine basis (a service that is unpaid).
  • Fishers has NEVER stated that its residents are the sole provider for HSE.

"Anschluss is an appropriate term for the approach Fishers has taken towards Geist. The propaganda that the town council distributes is simply shameful. They misdirect, misinform and twist the facts in so many ways that it is impossible to distill a thimbleful of truth. Their techniques are classic of the fascists of the 1930's. Anyone of Czech or Austrian heritage recognizes the Geist annexation for what it really is:Anschluss."
  • The newsletter sent to Town residents was filled with verifiable facts, so as to inform our residents of the Town's thoughts and intentions and to encourage them to participate in the process. 

"If you are going to provide Quotes from Fisher's residents, to add validity to them you should follow the quote with the person responsible for same. Otherwise I will continue to believe they belong only to those in the process."

"I have grown weary of the old "Geist Residents Don't Pay Their Fair Share" lie that you continue to circulate around the community. As a member of this community for 27 years, I know exactly why you folks are willing to enrage neighbors while trying to fleece them out of their money. Your inability to plan growth within the community (i.e. rubber-stamping every vinyl village brought before you) has left you with a tremendous cash need to finance schools, infrastructure, etc."
  • Fishers has more than adequate financial reserves and is not in any type of "tremendous cash need."  As for the rubber-stamping comment: A recent agreement between Noblesville, Fishers, Delaware Township and Fall Creek Township resulted in the transfer of zoning authority from Noblesville to the Town of Fishers.  Among other matters that were dealt with in the agreement to transfer the zoning authority, the Town of Fishersagreed that it would maintain, to the greatest extent possible, the zoning classifications of the real estate that was subject to the transfer.  In most cases, that meant adapting the Noblesville classification "R 1", or, a low density residential classification under Noblesville's system, to "R 2", the comparable low density residential classification under the Fishers Zoning Ordinance.  The development standards under these two classifications are essentially equivalent.  At the time of the transfer of the zoning authority, the Fishers zoning ordinance contained an even less dense residential classification, "R 1."  The issue involved in the transfer focused on the development standards and not the classifications.  In other words, if the real estate involved went from "R 1" Noblesville to "R 1" Fishers, that would have resulted in a change in the allowable use of the real estate and that was not the intent of the agreement between the various parties to the transfer.  As owner/developer applications come forward seeking a change in the zoning classification ("rezoning"), the Town is then in a position to give a broader consideration of the various factors that will ultimately help define the appropriate use category.  Until then, the Town is relunctant to make a change that could result in a loss of the use of the affected real estate as it was determined under the prior authority of Noblesville.
 
"I would like to know why (other than increased taxes) Geist residents feel that they shouldn't be annexed if they are indeed receiving Fishers services? What are the facts agains annexation?"
 
"We wish to congratulate the Fishers Town Council for preparing and distributing the brochure of enlightening facts concerning the current inequities that have been created by the "Swiss Cheese" effect shown on the map of the Proposed Annexation Areas.  We are aware of property oweners that live in the gold section of the map included in the brochure who are retired and are living on fixed incomes that are considerably below their pre-retirement income levels.  There are many that are first homeowners that live in the gold section; they have children that must be educatoed in an ever-increasing cost for education environment.  Many other demands on their earnings makes it impossible for them to continue payinf for services of those lviing in the "Swiss Cheese" section of the community.  It is logical to conclude that their ratio of taxes to income is much higher than that of the "Swiss Cheese" residents.  Incomes for those in the "Swiss Cheese" area have to be conisderably higher otherwise they could not afford to build and live there.  Yet, they continue to enjoy costly services furnished by the community as a whole, but paid for by those in the lower income community!  This is highly inequitable.  We view it as immoral and equal to robbery from the pockets of the less endowed.  This revers Robin Hood ambiance must be stopped in its tracks without delay.  How can a responsible governing body fail to meet this head on?  How could a responsible governing body allow this to happen in the first place?  We are counting on the Council to meet this dissolute state of affairs squarely and valiantly.  You have our support."
 
"We are proud residents of Fishers.  Thank you for your well done mailer outlining the proposed annexations.  We want you to know we fully support the proposed action by the Town Council to annex the listed areas.  Things change, and while the people who are being annexed may dislike it, the truth is Fishers has grown and the stress on the parks, roads, police and fire have dramatically increased as well.  Being a community means that we all must share the load.  I know how hard the firefighters and officers work to protect all of the peoople in the area--regardless of which side of a line they are on.  Since they would not hesitate to respond to a call, it is only fair and right that the people who are served by our community be a part of the community, including sharing costs.  Thank you for the great job you are doing in making our Town a wonderful place to live.  I would imagine this has been a particularly trying time.  Ours is just one voice, but we wanted you to know where we stand."
 
"As a Fishers resident and taxpayer, I fully support the Geist annexation. I reside in Windermere, and it burns me up that people a mile down the street with property values that far exceed mine are paying less taxes for the same services."
 
"We have to applaud those who put together such a nice summary and map that outlines the disparities in Fishers tax and infrastructure design.  Those of us in yellow have known this all along, so it is nice to see it documented for all to understand." 
 
"I found the brochure offensive and advisarial in tone. The information about some of the "good" things in Fishers was lost in the retoric of complaints about non-residents getting something from Fishers residents and not paying their fare share for it. All this brochure is going to do is offend non-residents and make residents feel they are being taken advantage of."

"Thanks for the mailer! Hopefully this will wake our Fishers residents up to the need to fight for annexation. Of course the geist residents don't want annexation, why pay for something you're currently getting for free! They need to get off the welfare wagon and accept the annexation and pay their fair share!"

"I declare "shenanigans!" (cheating) Why are the only responses posted on the Fishers/Geist page pro-annexation? There's nothing like stacking the deck. It's time to pursue alternativie forms of communication to everyone to indicate how poorly Fishers is treating this situation in terms of looking at both sides of the equation."
  • We have and will continue to post communication from both sides of the issue.
"I really wish the Town Councilwould end the forced annexation attempt. If they want it, fine. This bunch doesn't seem to. So, can the Town Councilend the expenditure of effort, time, and money on this already and get on to more productive things, like looking for ways to CUT the property taxes? There is far more to governing than looking for ever more territory to claim, for the purpose of boosting assessed value, for the purpose of more tax dollars to spend immediately from tax revenues, and then from floating bonds. One day, the Town will be built out and the areas to annex gone. Where will the needed revenues come from to pay ever more employees, to manage ever more infrastructure? Property taxes? I am a Fishers resident, and I don't like any of what I see from my Town on this issue. The propaganda webpage is really the icing on the cake. Those socialist IACT conferences have really taken root." 
  • Fishers property tax rate of .3592 per $100 assessed value is one of the lowest in the state, and has been on, essentially, a steady line for several years.

"I am a 13 year Fishers resident and as one I am in full support of Annexation. I beleive it would be beneficial to the town to put up banners and signs (similar to the GUO signs) throughout the community asking them to support the annexation. I also beleive a petition to show a unified support would be a great idea!" 

"I just reviewed the mailer concerning the unification process. I agree with the points that were made and encourage & support the Town's plan for unification. As a resident of Fishers I am extremely proud of the community and the leadership decisions that have been made to date, which have contributed to the Town's successes. How anyone living within our borders can take benefits away and not contribute is destructive to the growth of this all AmericanTown. As a Real Estate Broker I also see the huge benefits of owning in "Fishers". Relocating families don't ask me about Geist as much as they ask about Fishers. Most people think that the homes on the North side of the lake are in Fishers, and most want to be on our side of the lake. Town services and the wonderful school system control the appreciation of our homes, and everyone should want to assist in maintaining their value. Good luck with this process."
 
"I'd like to offer my support for the proposed Geist unification. As a Fishers resident for 5 years, I've been thrilled with the amenities and public protection services the town has offered me and my family. I think its only fair that the non-residents who take advantage of the same amenities and services contribute as well. I greatly appreciate the Town Council's vision and commitment in continuing to improve our community."
 

"I wanted to write a short note and let you know that we are glad that you sent out brochure explaining the benefits of the proposed Geist Unification. We support the annexation completely and appreciate the clear and concise explanation that was provided. Please continue to push for the annexation. There are plenty of Fishers residents that support you and hope that you continue to push forward with the annexation."

 

"I believe that if Geist residents are enjoying Fishers services, they ought to be taxed for them. What are the arguments they are posing against this? Will we be given a chance to vote on this or what is the process whereby this issue will be determined? Thank you"

 

"I would like to say that it's extremely frustrating the thought about the amount of taxes footedby Fishers for Geist on street improvement alone! Schools, Fishers homeowners are paying for children of Geist to attend our schools! Fishers is a beautiful place making the list of the best places to live and work- not Geist! I strongly feel it is time for the Geist property owners to payback to Fishers some of the money/services Fishers has used to make their lives better!"
  • The Town of Fishers has never stated that its residents are the sole provider for HSE. 
 
"As a resident of Fishers, I received in the mail a brochure entitled "Resident Information Regarding the Proposed Geist Unification." This document describes some of the arrangements that have been made between the Town of Fishersand the county townships, and it is clear to me that the townships ARE, in general, paying for the services that they are receiving%u2026 they just may not be paying enough. Upon learning of these inequities, my natural conclusion is NOT that the Town of Fishersneeds to annex these areas, but that it needs cease providing services to these areas until the compensation arrangements are more satisfactory. If, at that point, the residents of Geist, or other areas, determine that their township taxes are too high for the level of services that they are receiving, then they will volunteer to be annexed. And if the administrative costs are too high to distinguish one small "swiss cheese" hole from the main town, then that would certainly be less true for Geist (being a large area at the edge of town) than for the multiple smaller areas that are locatedentirely within the town limits. Perhaps Fishers should focus its annexation efforts on these areas instead."
  • User-fees for nonresidents are currently being analyzed.

"It only makes sense to annex Geist as the 4 areas are surrounded by Fishers. Why should they benefit from Fishers tax dollars and not have to pay a portion of the taxes."

"I live within walking distance of the reservoir. My husband and I have worked long and hard to get where we are, and are delighted to be able to raise our children in a safe and clean community. I don't live in a million dollar home, don't drive a new car, and certainly don't have a deeded boat dock, spa membership, or nanny. So why am I carrying the tax burden for my neighbors? I think the residents of Geist should share the wealth, and KNOW annexation."

 

"One question I have as a resident of Fishers is why is our police department providing response to these areas and why are our fire departments subsidizing these areas? I understand the comments about Fishers police saving lives but I would argue that the same could be said if Fishers responded to Noblesville and Carmel that it would only help. If they do not wish to pay for the services, as a taxpayer I request we don't provide them these services. Why do they participate in the SPORTS program? Can't this be Fishers exclusive or be charged a tiered fee structure for non-residents?"
  • FPD provides emergency response at times because it is quicker for them to arrive (which is of extreme importance, esp. if it is a life-or-death situation)  These type of runs are an unpaid service.  The Geist-area is covered by the Fishers Fire Department--at a discounted price.  Currently, the Geist property tax rate has a .0858 cents per $100 of assessed value Township tax that pays for fire and EMT services in the area.  If annexed, this rate HAS to go down.
  • Fishers is currently analyzing a user-fee for S.P.O.R.T.S., etc.

 

"I certainly support the annexation of the 4 Geist areas. I, also, question why the town hasn't moved to incorporate the several other small areas that create the "Swiss cheese" effect."

 
 
Useful Links

City-Town Study Committee Documents

Adopted 2009 Budget

2009 State of the Town

Homeowners Association Contact List (Updated 9-10-09)

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