Columbus Township Trustee
The Columbus Township Trustee’s Office provides essential township services, emergency assistance, and community support with transparency and care. We coordinate with Columbus Township Fire & Rescue and local partners to meet immediate needs while being good stewards of public funds.
Kris Weisner, Columbus Township Trustee, Bartholomew County
Kris Weisner is the Columbus Township trustee. Kris was caucused into the office in December 2024.
Kris started his career in public service while in high school as a volunteer of the East Columbus Independent Fire Department. In 1980 Kris became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and was employed with Athens Ambulance providing medical care and transportation of the sick and injured. He then transitioned into Law Enforcement and had a 36-year career with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office retiring with the rank of Sergeant.
Kris was an expert in drunk and drugged driving enforcement and was a K9 officer of 13 years and had 2-K9’s. He retired in 2019 and conducted investigations with the Adult Protective Services division of the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office until 2024 when he became the Columbus Township Trustee.
Short-term assistance and referrals to safe shelter, case management, and local resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Micro note: Contact the Trustee’s Office for availability and eligibility.
Read More
Preserving and maintaining nine township cemeteries with dignity and care.Detail: Columbus Township is responsible for the upkeep of abandoned cemeteries, ensuring these sacred grounds remain well-maintained, respected, and a lasting tribute to past generations. The Trustee’s Office also provides financial assistance for cremations and burials to support families during times of loss.
Read More
Protecting lives and property through dedicated service.Detail: Our Columbus Township Fire and Rescue, led by Chief Josh Ferrenburg, is devoted to safeguarding the community with rapid emergency response, fire prevention programs, and rescue services. We are a 24/7 fire department with 12 full-time and 14 PRN employees dedicated to serving Columbus Township around the clock. […]
Read More
Helping residents during times of financial crisis.Detail: The Trustee’s Office provides short-term financial assistance to families and individuals facing unexpected hardships. Whether it’s support for housing, utilities, or other essentials, our goal is to help you get back on your feet with dignity and respect.
Read MoreYou should bring any papers which help explain your situation. For example, your rent or house payment receipt will show where you live, how much your rent or house payment is, to whom you make your payments, etc. You should also bring receipts for any money you have spent for at least the past thirty (30) days.
To show what your income has been, bring check stubs or statements from any person or agency helping you. Bring as much proof as you can about your situation to help speed up the application process. The Trustee, by law, may request your permission to verify (by phone or mail) any information you give during your application.
If you are asking for help with utilities, bring the latest bills with you. If you are presently receiving AFDC, bring the most recent Certificate of Action from your case worker.
The Trustee may require additional documentation depending on an individual’s situation.
In some situations, it will be necessary to make a home visit before assistance can be granted. You may be asked to bring in additional information before a decision can be made. In most cases, a determination can be made within three (3) business days, not including weekends or holidays.
The Trustee determines whether you are eligible or are not eligible for assistance from the Trustee’s Office. At this point, you will be given a “Notice of Poor Relief Action” which is a written statement of decision.
What Kind of Assistance Can the Trustee Provide?
Specifically, the Trustee can meet the following needs:
Grocery vouchers to ensure individuals and families have access to meals. Detailed: Eligible residents can receive food vouchers that cover essential groceries, helping meet nutritional needs.
Support for essential gas, water, and electric bills to avoid disconnection. Detailed: Assistance is available for past-due utility bills in cases of disconnection risk. Phone, TV, and deposit bills are excluded.
We offer limited rental assistance to help prevent homelessness and avoid eviction. Emergency shelter is available at the Brighter Days Shelter, operated by Love Chapel, 421 S. Mapleton St., Columbus, IN 47201. Call 812-344-4512 or visit columbuslovechapel.com.
The Trustee’s Office provides assistance during emergencies, following state guidelines and local policy. Each request is evaluated individually to ensure responsible stewardship of township funds.
Join us for a family-friendly Halloween afternoon filled with candy, fun, and community spirit!
f you are a Columbus Township resident in need of food, we will be providing 100 families with a $25 gift card.
The Columbus Township Trustee will be providing 50 families who reside in Columbus Township.