INDIANAPOLIS — House Bill 1131 has been recommited to the Committee on Ways and Means on Jan. 28. The bill, if passed would separate Cumberland from UNIGOV, allowing the town legislative body to take steps necessary to transition the town to an excluded city, similar to Lawrence and Beech Grove. The bill, as it stands currently in committee, states that Cumberland would become independent of UNIGOV on Jan. 1, 2027.
In 1970, the Indiana General Assembly approved an act to consolidate Indianapolis with the government of Marion County (UNIGOV). This consolidation included several towns that retained some degree of limited autonomy but remained part of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis. Cumberland, which sits on the line between Marion and Hancock counties, and residents who live on the Hancock County portions have government autonomy. However, residents on the Marion County portion are subject to Indianapolis laws.
When UNIGOV was enacted, the Town of Cumberland was very small, with fewer than 500 residents. In the ensuing years, Cumberland has grown at a robust pace, adding businesses and homes. Currently, the population of Cumberland stands at more than 6,000, and is projected to grow by 3,000 residents during the next several years.