The Illinois General Assembly is currently reviewing several bills aimed at reforming local government structures, particularly focusing on townships and their roles within the state. These proposed changes could significantly impact how local services are managed and funded across Illinois.
The bills were introduced by Illinois Senator Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton.
HB2515, introduced by Rep. Joe C. Sosnowski, aims to dissolve townships with populations under 500, transferring their responsibilities to the surrounding counties. Upon dissolution, the real and personal property, personnel, contractual obligations, and liabilities of the dissolved townships will be transferred to the county within which they are located. The county will assume all rights and duties previously held by the township, acting solely on behalf of the residents within the dissolved township’s boundaries.
Counties will have the authority to levy property taxes within the boundaries of dissolved townships to fund the services they assume. Road districts entirely within dissolving townships will also be dissolved, with their powers and responsibilities transferred to the county. However, municipalities within these areas may choose to take on the duties of the road districts.
Elected and appointed township officers and road commissioners will cease to hold office upon dissolution, with no compensation or legal recourse for the loss of their positions.
Senate Bill 2217, sponsored by Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, targets townships with populations under 5,000, mandating their dissolution and requiring them to either merge with adjacent townships or consolidate with the encompassing county. Affected townships must consolidate with either an adjacent township or the county that contains their geographic boundaries. This approach aims to reduce administrative redundancies and potentially lower costs associated with maintaining multiple small government entities.
Senate Bill 2504 also introduced by Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton proposes significant changes to the state’s local government structure. The bill focuses on streamlining local governance by abolishing certain offices in smaller counties and facilitating the dissolution or consolidation of townships.
In counties with a population under 50,000, the offices of township assessor and multi-township assessor will be abolished once the current term expires. The county assessor will assume all duties and responsibilities of these positions, including managing assets, liabilities, and public records related to property assessments.
The bill also introduces a mechanism for consolidating adjacent townships, requiring a petition from at least 5% of voters in each affected township. This consolidation can result in either a new township or the absorption into an existing one.
Upon dissolution, townships’ assets, liabilities, and responsibilities will be transferred to either the county or a municipality, depending on local agreements. This includes the management of road districts, which can be assumed by municipalities if they offer to do so.
The proposed changes aim to reduce administrative redundancy and potentially lower costs by centralizing certain functions. However, they also raise questions about the impact on local governance and community services. Proponents argue that streamlining local government can enhance efficiency and reduce taxpayer burdens, while opponents may worry about potential losses in local autonomy and control.
Illinois has over 7,000 units of government, including townships, which is significantly more than any other state.
