Services


Fire Protection

Township Trustees are, by Indiana law, charged with the responsibility of providing fire protection and ambulance service for the areas of the township not incorporated into a city or town. The protection can be provided by contracting with various fire departments, operating a Township Fire Department, or a combination of both. (Indiana Code 36-8)

Assistance and Relief

Township Trustees assist residents that are having difficulty meeting their basic needs. Basic needs include having access to adequate shelter and food. This means the Trustee can assist residents with rent/mortgage payments and payment of utilities that make a residence livable. The Trustee also runs an onsite food pantry for all residents of Hamilton Southeastern School district (Delaware Township, Fall Creek Township, Wayne Township). To apply, call the Trustee’s office at 317-842-8595 and leave a message. If you have an emergency (i.e. electric is going to be disconnected within 24 hours), please note this in your message and we will work to get you in as soon as possible.

Many trustees creatively cooperate with other agencies and churches in their areas, keeping costs controlled and delivering services needed. The advantage the Trustee’s systems has over other forms of welfare is the freedom to discern whether or not an individual has and is willing to put forth that personal effort to help themselves. (Indiana Code Title 12)

For more information: Trustee’s Office Assistance – Serving your needs with dignity and respect – Debbie Driskell, Delaware Township Trustee

Burials

Burial assistance is available from the Township Trustee when no other means of payment are available. To apply for burial assistance, call the Trustee’s office at 317-842-8595 and leave a message.  Staff will return your call and assist you in completing an Application for Township Assistance on behalf of the resident who has passed away.

Cemetery Maintenance

According to Indiana Code 23-14 the trustee is to provide and maintain certain pioneer cemeteries located in the township. This includes those cemeteries which have been abandoned. The Delaware Township trustee maintains 3 cemeteries in the township: Eller, Spannuth, and Heady Lane.

Weed Control

Indiana Code 15-3-4 charges the trustee with destroying detrimental weeds within their township. Guidelines for notification to the property owner are set within the law.

Notary

Notary service is available at no charge for residence of Delaware Township. Please call the office to make an appointment for notary service. 

Miscellaneous Duties

There are other areas of responsibility for trustees that are not widespread. Those include:

  • Parks and Recreation
  • Zoning and Planning
  • Emergency Medical Service
  • Community Centers
  • Shelters
  • Sirens for Emergency Notification and Response

FAQ