CUMBERLAND, Ind. -- The Town of Cumberland is looking to have the town excluded from its Unigov status with Marion County in an effort to streamline its services to residents. House Bill 1131, which was introduced by State Rep. Doug Miller (R-District 48), seeks to consolidate Cumberland as an "excluded city" that would be separate from Unigov status for citizens residing in the part of Cumberland located in Marion County. The proposed bill would enable Cumberland to provide more consistent standards of development across both counties, obtain more grant funding opportunities, streamline permit processes, establish road and park impact fees and many more services. The bill also stipulates that the Department of Local Government Finance must adjust property tax levies, rates, budgets and distributive shares of local government as the town's transition to an excluded city is finalized. The Town of Cumberland added that this change would affect less than one-fourth of Marion County's population "while improving local governance and service delivery for Cumberland residents." The Indiana General Assembly originally approved an act to consolidate Indianapolis with the government of Marion County in 1970. This consolidation included several towns that retained some degree of limited autonomy but remained part of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis. Cumberland is divided between portions of Marion and Hanock counties, with residents living in the Hancock County portions able to enjoy full governmental autonomy on that side of town. Residents living on the Marion County side are subjected to Indianapolis laws. The Town of Cumberland attributed this bill to its growing population, which it said has increased from less than 500 inhabitants in 1970 to nearly 7,000 in 2025. The town's population is projected to increase by up to 3,000 within the next five years. Under the bill's current language, the town of Cumberland would not be designated as an excluded city until Jan. 1, 2027, if the bill is approved. A public hearing for the bill is scheduled on Jan. 28 at 8:30 a.m. before the Local Government House Committee at the Indiana State House. "This legislation is about ensuring every Cumberland resident receives the same high-quality services and attention, regardless of which county their home or business is located in," said Cumberland Town Manager Ben Lipps. "Our current structure creates a complex system for residents who need basic services and permits. By gaining excluded status, we can simplify these processes and provide equitable, streamlined services throughout our entire community. This isn't just about growth – it's about smart, sustainable governance that makes sense for our residents and allows us to maintain Cumberland's unique character while ensuring consistent service delivery across our whole town." The bill received its first reading in the House Committee on Local Government on Jan. 8. The entire bill can be read here.