City and town councils could ask courts to remove finance officers

A city or town council could ask a court to remove its finance officer for illegal fees or failure to perform official duties. This would apply to Indiana towns and second or third class cities. The council would have to state basic supporting facts in a resolution and pass it by a majority vote of all members. The court would have to find the charge proved before ordering removal. The public hearing would have to take place at least 10 business days before the council adopts the resolution.

Finance officers would have to spend a reasonable amount of time in their offices during regular hours each month. A court could remove an officer who violates this rule. This would cover finance officers in Indiana towns and second or third class cities. Council policy would set the amount of time and address approved remote work and duties outside the office. Serious illness of the officer, spouse, parent, child, or stepchild, or the officer’s military service, would be a defense to an absence claim. Office absence would not violate this rule in a month when a local disaster emergency is declared where the office is located for at least one workday. The office attendance rule would begin July 1, 2026.

A council could ask a court to remove a finance officer who fails, refuses, or cannot take part in four straight regular council meetings. This would cover finance officers in Indiana towns and second or third class cities. The council would have to hold a public hearing, state basic supporting facts in a resolution, and pass it by a majority vote of all members. The court would have to find the charge proved before ordering removal. This provision would begin July 1, 2026.