Columbus Township Trustee
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.
Led by Chief Josh Ferrenburg, Columbus Township Fire & Rescue is dedicated to protecting lives and property through rapid emergency response, fire prevention, and community education.
Serving Columbus Township, the department provides both fire and EMS services, responding to over 1,000 calls annually.
Their mission extends beyond emergency response — focusing on fire prevention, safety education, and active community involvement to ensure the well-being of every township resident.
Columbus Township serves a population of approximately 53,000 residents and covers an area of about 55 square miles.
Chief Josh Ferrenburg, (Fire Department)
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.
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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.
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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. […]
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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 MoreThere are three (3) rules of thumb concerning trustee assistance.
A person or family is in need if an unforeseen emergency occurs and there is not enough income or resources to provide the basic necessities of life. Necessities of life include food, shelter, and other basic needs.
Individual qualification is determined by the Trustee or staff based on written standards adopted by the township.
Yes, however, by law trustee assistance is short-term. Trustee’s assistance can continue as long as your needs exist if YOU continue to try to help yourself by seeking employment and/or other forms of assistance.
You will need to phone the Trustee’s Office to schedule an appointment.
You must be interviewed after you have filled out the application. The application is a legal affidavit, and you must state your situation as accurately and completely as you can. Applications are signed by the head of the household. There are criminal penalties for deliberately giving false information.
A person or family does not need to have lived in the township for any particular length as long as they have established a residence in the township at the time of application. A traveler stranded in the township may apply for assistance as a transient during the office hours with or without the assistance of the local police or sheriff’s department.
You can appeal that determination within fifteen (15) days. The “Notice of Poor Relief Action”, taken on your case also tells you how to appeal with the County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners will set a time to hear your side of the story and the Trustee’s and then make a decision. They are bound to use the same set of guidelines that the Trustee does. You can bring documents and witnesses to the hearing to prove your case. You can be represented by legal counsel or anyone you choose.