1. (a) The county executive shall determine which township governments will merge. The county executive's decision shall:

   1. (1) take into account the wishes of the designated townships and recipient townships; and
   2. (2) comply with the requirements of section 14 of this chapter.
2. (b) Not later than October 1, 2027, the county executive shall adopt a resolution that names the township governments that will merge.

3. (c) The new township government shall certify the final action in the manner prescribed by the department to each of the following:

   1. (1) The county legislative body.
   2. (2) The county executive body.
   3. (3) The clerk of the circuit court.
   4. (4) The county fiscal officer.
   5. (5) The county recorder.
   6. (6) The county voter registration office.
   7. (7) The secretary of state's office.

As added by P.L.134-2026, SEC.9.