Sec. 1.7. (a) This section applies only to an annexation ordinance adopted after June 30, 2015. This section does not apply to an annexation under section 5.1 of this chapter.

(b) Not earlier than six (6) months before a municipality introduces an annexation ordinance, the municipality shall conduct an outreach program to inform citizens regarding the proposed annexation. For an annexation under section 3 or 4 of this chapter, the outreach program must conduct at least six (6) public information meetings regarding the proposed annexation. For an annexation under section 5 of this chapter, the outreach program must conduct at least three (3) public information meetings regarding the proposed annexation. The public information meetings must provide citizens with the following information:

(1) Maps showing the proposed boundaries of the annexation territory.

(2) Proposed plans for extension of capital and noncapital services in the annexation territory, including proposed dates of extension.

(3) Expected fiscal impact on taxpayers in the annexation territory, including any increase in taxes and fees.

(c) The municipality shall provide notice of the dates, times, and locations of the outreach program meetings. The municipality shall publish the notice of the meetings under IC 5-3-1, including the date, time, and location of the meetings, except that notice must be published not later than thirty (30) days before the date of each meeting. The municipality shall also send notice to each owner of land within the annexation territory not later than thirty (30) days before the date of the first meeting of the outreach program. The notice to landowners shall be sent by first class mail, certified mail with return receipt requested, or any other means of delivery that includes a return receipt and must include the following information:

(1) The notice must inform the landowner that the municipality is proposing to annex territory that includes the landowner's property.

(2) The municipality is conducting an outreach program for the purpose of providing information to landowners and the public regarding the proposed annexation.

(3) The date, time, and location of the meetings to be conducted under the outreach program.

(d) The notice shall be sent to the address of the landowner as listed on the tax duplicate. If the municipality provides evidence that the notice was sent:

(1) by certified mail, with return receipt requested or any other means of delivery that includes a return receipt; and

(2) in accordance with this section;

it is not necessary that the landowner accept receipt of the notice. If a remonstrance is filed under section 11 of this chapter, the municipality shall file with the court proof that notices were sent to landowners under this section and proof of publication.

(e) The notice required under this section is in addition to any notice required under sections 2.1 and 2.2 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.228-2015, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.206-2016, SEC.2.