Say NO to the R.U.D. (Regional Utility District)

MADISON COUNTY VOTERS: Rural Madison County needs our HELP!! 

Petition Opposing the Formation of the

Madison County Regional Utility District! 

If the RUD gets past Monroe Township, then it will come after everyone else in rural areas next all over Madison County, Indiana. 

We, the undersigned Madison County residents, landowners, and concerned citizens, firmly oppose the formation of the Madison County Regional Utility District (RUD).

We believe the establishment of this district poses unnecessary risks to our community, property rights, and local governance. Our reasons include, but are not limited to:

🔒 1. Protection of Property Rights & Risk

to Property Rights and Autonomy

We are deeply concerned that the creation of RUD may lead to eminent domain and/or forced utility hookups, easements, infrastructure development, or other mandates that infringe upon our private property rights — especially for rural and agricultural landowners. We oppose any entity that could override local zoning or planning rules, compel land sales or easements, or otherwise infringe on property rights without robust checks and balances.

💰 2. Potential for Increased Taxes and Fees & Potential for Overreach and Increased Costs 

Regional utility districts often carry the authority to levy taxes, impose fees, and issue debt. This could result in long-term financial burdens on residents without proper voter oversight or accountability. RUD Board Members would have the power to make decisions without asking for permission from County Elected Officials or the Public. 

The establishment of a regional utility district can lead to increased taxation, fees, and bureaucratic expansion without direct accountability to the voters. Many fear that the RUD Board could assume powers to impose assessments, issue bonds, and make land use decisions that directly impact residents’ property rights. RUD should not have EMINENT DOMAIN POWER!!

🗣️ 3. Lack of Transparency and Public Input
The process surrounding the proposed creation of RUD has lacked adequate public notice, transparency, and meaningful community engagement. The process leading to this proposed district has been insufficiently publicized and rushed. Major decisions affecting our communities should involve open dialogue, public hearings, and direct input from affected citizens. Decisions affecting thousands of residents should not proceed without widespread awareness and consensus and/or informed consent and not forced compliance because of the failures of Madison County Elected/Appointed Officials.  

🏡 4. Unnecessary Bureaucracy, Unclear Necessity, and Redundancy 

There is no demonstrated need for a new utility district. Existing municipal utilities and local infrastructure systems already serve the area. There has been insufficient justification for why a new utility district is necessary. Existing local utilities and municipal services are already addressing infrastructure needs. Creating another layer of government could lead to redundancy, inefficiency, and waste of public resources. Adding another layer of government bureaucracy only adds confusion and inefficiency. 

🌾 5. Threats to Rural Lifestyles and Agricultural Operations Impact on Rural Landowners and Farmers

VOTERS, Taxpayers, Many landowners and agricultural operators are concerned that the creation of RUD may lead to forced utility connections, easements, or development pressures that conflict with rural lifestyles and farming operations. Farmers, ranchers, and rural residents fear that this new district may accelerate development pressure, disrupt agricultural operations, and lead to regulations that are misaligned with the needs of our rural way of life.

We, the undersigned, respectfully demand that local and state authorities:

• Reject/Deny or suspend the formation of the Madison County Regional Utility District R.U.D.:
• Pause all related actions until full public hearings and impact assessments can be completed.
• Ensure that any utility development occurs with full transparency, voluntary participation, and community-led planning.
• Conduct a thorough public review process, including hearings, impact studies, and resident referendums;
• Protect the voices and rights of local residents in all future utility or infrastructure decisions. 

Say NO to the use of Eminent Domain use on the RUD Project and help us help the property owners protect their rights!

✍️ Sign Below to Say NO to the Regional Utility District