ELKHART COUNTY — Some Indiana state lawmakers, township trustees and fire departments are fighting local government reform. They're against the Kernan Shepard Report — a document that lists 27 proposals to streamline state government, including wiping out township government. The Hoosiers for Democracy plan to fight that report.

The grassroots organization has less than 40 days to convince state lawmakers not to adopt the Kernan Shepard Report. But they all know it's not going to be an easy fight.

"For us in township government and those of us who live in townships, this is the most important issue we've faced probably in the state of Indiana," said State Legislator Jackie Walorski.

Walorski and Rep. Tim Neese gathered with Elkhart County trustees, firefighters and taxpayers Sunday in an effort to keep the door from closing on township government.

"All of a sudden we have a piece of legislation coming like a freight train," Walorski continued.

The Hoosiers for Democracy are concerned with some of the 27 recommendations in last December's Kernan Shepard Report to eliminate township officials and instead elect one county executive to appoint all positions.

The report also suggests consolidating libraries, schools, police, fire and EMS. The thought of merging gets Elkhart County firefighters fired up.

"Merging is an ugly word. I've talked to a lot of the fire chiefs in my area. In northern Indiana, we're not against merging if it would save tax dollars and provide better service," said Osolo Township fire chief Jerry Miller.

He argues merging could actually raise tax dollars and slow response times in Elkhart County.

Rep. Walorski said the state hasn't done any fiscal research on the Kernan Shepard Report.

"So when you hear people talk about the fact that this is going to save lots of money, there's no data in the state of Indiana right now saying this will save any money," said Walorski.

Some Kosciusko County trustees also went to Sunday's meeting with the same concerns.

We are more efficient to the taxpayers," said trustee Julia Goon. "We know our taxpayers, we live with them."

For now, the clock is ticking for township trustees and fire departments.

"We still have time to change this," Walorski said.

The next legislative session is scheduled to begin January 7. That's when lawmakers are also expected to make more decisions about Indiana House Bill 1001 and how it will affect counties, cities and townships throughout the state.