Voters of each township elect three members to the township board for 4-year terms. The township board has the same responsibilities within the township as those exercised by the county council. Those duties include adopting the annual township budget, fixing the tax rate for various funds, fixing the salaries of elected and appointed officers and employees of the township, excluding constables, township assessors and employees of county assessors. The board must keep a record of its proceedings.
Education
BSEd (Miami University) MA (Southeastern University)
Current Employment
Self-employed, Local Representative for Classical Conversations, Inc.
Political Experience
State Delegate, Vice Precinct Chair
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/kristen.bissontz.for.indiana/about
I have attended Springfield Twp board meetings for 2 years. I see the great need for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and friendly collaboration between the board and trustee. I look forward to a new trustee and a trailblazing board. Township government is the closest to the people. Therefore, I aim to be a fiscally responsible steward of the resources allotted for my neighbors in Harlan and unincorporated Allen Co. I have been a servant leader in homeschool circles for over two decades, a servant in my church for over three decades, and a servant in NE Indiana in the area of education, advocacy, and policy creation via the Coalition for a Better Indiana (501c4). Joining the advisory board is one more way to serve my neighbors in this area.
The creation of the fire districts means that the township is no longer responsible for fire service. Instead, the township focus will be on improving and maintaining public spaces, cemeteries, parks, and poor relief. With the passing of SB1, Springfield Township may see constraints on downstream projects as other entities are also vying for limited tax dollars. In light of this, Springfield Township will explore regional and state grants specific to community development, as these options have yet to be explored. A fiscally responsible and cooperative board can better overcome any realized shortfalls as a result of SB1 by prioritizing projects and adhering to realistic timelines.
Education
Purdue University Fort Wayne: BSB (Finance) and BA (Political Science); Indiana University Bloomington: JD (anticipated May 2026)
Current Employment
Law Clerk
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/1JKhD7FREx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Springfield Township is my home. My family has been on the same homestead outside Harlan for six generations, and I want to build on the legacy of service my relatives have modeled from the Allen County Farm Bureau to the Harlan Christian Youth Center to the State Fair Board to the same Township Board I am now running for.
I am committed to fiscal discipline, transparency and communication with the community, and ensuring the Board has the energy and initiative to secure infrastructure investment in our community from the County and State. Local government should be an act of stewardship. Springfield Township belongs to its residents, and taxpayers’ money belongs to taxpayers.
Property tax relief was needed, and still is. However, this does create complications for townships. SB1 limited local governments’ ability to raise revenue. At the same time, we are seeing a continued push in the General Assembly towards eliminating townships and implementing county consolidation.
Allen County is consolidating its fire districts and territories into a county-run entity. Even as Springfield Township is losing access to some revenues, some of the major costs of fire safety are being shifted away from the Township. Loss of local control is a major concern, and SB1 is part of the larger picture. Remaining funds need to be carefully managed to ensure other Township responsibilities like parks and poor relief remain solvent.
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