Concern about bill to dissolve townships
By Matt Brennan For The Beacon-News February 22, 2013 6:22PM
Updated: March 27, 2013 6:06AM
Kane County Supervisor of Assessments Mark Armstrong warned the county’s legislative committee on Friday of a pending bill that would allow for the piecemeal dissolution of townships statewide.
Under this proposed legislation, a township could be dissolved if its residents voted to do so by referendum. All of the responsibilities of the township would then be shifted to the county, which is largely left without a say in the matter.
“I understand why the bill came about, but I think it creates as many problems as it solves,” Armstrong said.
Taxpayers countywide would absorb the extra burden of caring for the township roads, and other services, Armstrong said. In some cases, it may require county departments to need additional staff.
Armstrong said he opposed eliminating townships, but noted that eliminating only some townships within a county while keeping others intact would be a bad deal for taxpayers in remaining townships.
Committee member Brian Pollock also cited legislation in places where it would go up for a vote countywide, drastically reducing the chances for dissolution passing.
Legislative committee co-chair Maggie Auger said she was concerned about this plan.
“While I agree with the concept of smaller government, this bill would certainly complicate matters,” she said.
