Sec. 0.3. The general assembly finds the following:

(1) A consolidated city faces unique budget challenges due to a high demand for services combined with the large number of tax exempt properties located in a consolidated city as the seat of state government, home to several institutions of higher education, and home to numerous national, state, and regional nonprofit corporations.

(2) By virtue of its size and population density, a consolidated city has unique overlapping territories of county and city government and an absence of unincorporated areas within its county.

(3) Substantial operational efficiencies, reduction of administrative costs, and economies of scale may be obtained in a consolidated city through consolidation of certain county, city, and township functions.

(4) Consolidation of certain county, city, and township services and operations will serve the public purpose by allowing the consolidated city to:

(A) eliminate duplicative services;

(B) provide better coordinated and more uniform delivery of local governmental services;

(C) provide uniform oversight and accountability for the budgets for local governmental services; and

(D) allow local government services to be provided more efficiently and at a lower cost than without consolidation.

(5) Efficient and fiscally responsible operation of local government benefits the health and welfare of the citizens of a consolidated city and is of public utility and benefit.

(6) The public purpose of those parts of P.L.227-2005 relating to a consolidated city is to provide a consolidated city with the means to perform essential governmental services for its citizens in an effective, efficient, and fiscally responsible manner.

As added by P.L.220-2011, SEC.647.