MORRISTOWN — MORRISTOWN — Many people in the Shelby county community of Morristown want to keep their only bank around. For them it's become a community staple and they worry the closing of the bank could impact businesses and the older population.
Phillip Nigh owns a business in Morristown and he's worried that the only local bank in town could close.
“My business from here is a block and a half. On a daily basis instead of driving I hop on my golf cart, In addition to that, on a nice day I will jump on my bicycle,” said Nigh.
First Merchants Bank is set to close 17 branches across Indiana. The company says it is relying heavily on digital banking services instead of branches, and the pandemic only accelerated the trend.
Nigh wants to see if his town can keep their bank around. “We want to see them remain here,” he said.
“In small business it’s important. Banking today is going online, they are removing the brick and mortar away from communities. I need access to come in. It can be done online but it’s easier to come in and talk with a banking professional,” said Nigh.
He says if the bank leaves, he would have to carve out time in his days just to make a bank trip. "The closest bank at this point would be 12-miles away,” said Nigh. That's in Shelbyville.
He worries how the closing could impact older residents not just business owners. “This is a small community. A bank is vital to this community. Also, because of the age of residents and the local industry. We rely on our bank tremendously,” said Nigh.
Morristown residents are posting fliers about their fight to keep the bank open and they have even started a petition. They say if the bank has to leave, they need another bank to come to their town.
