By Mark Robinson
Billie Caldwell said it was unusual following last week’s snowstorm to not have to head into her office the next morning and see how many people needed help. Working 36 years as Noblesville Township Trustee will do that.
As of Jan. 1, Caldwell is retired. The 69-year-old opted not to seek re-election in the November election, with voters tabbing Tom Kenley to replace her. The primary function of the township trustee is to offer assistance to township residents in need – be it for food, clothing, school supplies, money for rent or utilities and more. Caldwell saw more than her fair share.
“Noblesville Township has the biggest population of people of all the (nine Hamilton County) townships on township assistance or welfare,” she said. “Believe me, 36 years ago it was a lot different than it is today. I still did the same things 36 years later, it was just a lot more of it. A lot of times we saw some of the same families, just the next generation.”
Caldwell was urged in 1978 to run for the trustee’s office by a friend who was doing the same at Washington Township in Westfield. When she took over in 1979, she was the staff. Area growth and need for more outreach forced an expansion to a current staff of six people.
The trustee’s office works primarily behind the scenes with area churches, businesses and others to secure whatever those on assistance need. The trustee is also responsible for contracting fire protection for residents outside the city limits, upkeep on abandoned cemeteries, even control of noxious weeds.
Caldwell called her 36-year career “a long ride and a good ride,” adding she will remember her close-knit staff the most. Some had been with her more than 30 years.
“You get to know people after so long a time and it becomes like your family because you are with them almost more than you are with your actual family,” she said. “Everybody just worked so well together and I really appreciated that.”
So what’s next for Caldwell? Right now, she said, “Getting through winter.” She also believes she will delve into volunteer work because, as she pointed out the obvious, “I’m used to helping people.”
