(a) The circuit or superior court shall:

1. (1) on the date fixed under section 11 of this chapter, hear and determine the remonstrance without a jury; and
2. (2) without delay, enter judgment on the question of the annexation according to the evidence that either party may introduce.

(b) If the court enters judgment in favor of the annexation, the annexation may not take effect during the year preceding the year in which a federal decennial census is conducted. An annexation that would otherwise take effect during the year preceding a year in which a federal decennial census is conducted takes effect January 1 of the year in which a federal decennial census is conducted.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 18-5-10-25 part; 18-5-10-30 part.]

As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.5-1989, SEC.96; P.L.113-2010, SEC.117.