KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — House Republicans identified the township government consolidation bill as one of the top priorities for the 2018 session. Two of the considered townships are in Kosciusko County.

If the bill is passed, Monroe and Franklin Townships would be forced to merge with a neighbor. This consolidation would leave one elected trustee and township board instead of two.

Monroe Township sits east of Packerton Road between Pierceton and Sidney at the eastern side of the county; Franklin Township covers the southwest corner of the county, south of the Mentone area.

All townships targeted in the consolidation have populations of less than 1.200 people.