EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
When Vanderburgh County voters head back to the polls in November, they'll be voting for more than just a list of candidates. The city-county reorganization question is on the ballot, and both sides are lobbying early for votes.
The referendum vote is still 181 days away, but CORE 2012, the group against the merger, hit voting centers on Tuesday.
On their website, they state reasons why they're against the idea and they took that message straight to voters.
"At the last meeting there were over 50 so we're trying to get all the polls covered and get the word out to as many people as we can," said Bruce Ungethiem, CORE 2012 Co-Chair.
Dozens of CORE 2012 members greeted Vanderburgh County voters on Tuesday with flyers in hand, asking taxpayers to vote no in November to a merger of city and county governments.
"I think once the people take a look at the information and realize there's really no savings, that their property tax will likely go up, they'll likely vote against it," said Ungethiem.
But those in favor of a merger, like Sheriff Eric Williams, say there will be savings and more importantly, he says, a stream-lined more efficient government.
"I think we'll be able to show where there are some savings," said Williams. "We're pretty good at doing what we have now, this works. I just think there's something more effective and more efficient out there for us."
The binding referendum will be on November's general election ballot, and both sides are hoping that taxpayers will make their voices heard.
"This is an emotional issue. This is an issue about your local government and about services. Local government is where the rubber hits the road," said Williams.
Some other cities like Indianapolis and Louisville have already consolidated their governments.
The last time the question was on the ballot here was 1974 and that vote failed three to one.
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