A 14 News update on the battle to sway voters on the Evansville-Vanderburgh County government merger.
The issue is on the ballot this November, and Thursday night, there was a forum called Consolidation: Pro vs. Con at the C.K. Newsome Center.
Those in favor of the plan, and those against it, have launched aggressive campaigns and held separate meetings.
Thursday night, for the first time in a while, both parties gathered to discuss the topic together.
An estimated 150 people filled the Rec Room of the C.K. Newsome Center to discuss consolidation.
"Each person, it's their responsibility to be educated and to vote the way they want to vote," said city resident Sally Herron.
The plan calls for one, 15-member Common Council representing 12 districts.
So, is that better representation? It depends on who you ask.
"The plan provides better representation county-wide," explained Sheriff Eric Williams, who is in favor of consolidation.
"A mayor and common council elected at the same time, if they are all on the same party, look out on the budget, there's no checks and balances when that happens," noted Vanderburgh County Treasurer Rick Davis, who is against consolidation.
Those against the plan say it will raise city water rates by 10% and will increase taxes.
"A lot of people are seeing this as a power grab by some people and also as a land grab by the current city administration," said Davis.
Those in favor of the merger say studies showing tax increases were conducted when the Police Department and the Sheriff's Office consolidation was still in the equation. That merger was eliminated from the final plan.
"This plan does not call from any increase or reduction of taxes," said Sheriff Williams.
Pro-consolidation leaders say a merger will save an estimated $1 million in immediate savings. Anti-consolidation leaders say they can't find any proof of those savings.
Residents like Sally Herron say they're conducting research of their own.
"Be informed about everything, this is too important. So, know the facts when you go into the booth in November."
To read the full consolidation plan yourself, click here.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
The turnout of a similar meeting held last August.
