Bills that have been brought forth by legislators during the 104th General Assembly have been on the topic of townships across the state of Illinois, that could combine neighboring townships or dissolve some departments all together, states Representative of the 71st District, Dan Swanson:
“The state of Illinois is looking at drawing down probably the most efficient form of government and that is our townships. There are other agencies to draw down or other ways to save money as opposed to drawing down our townships. There is legislation saying that if there is a population of less than 5,000 people in a township, that township must either dissolve or merge with neighboring townships. In one of the counties I represent, they estimate it will take one hundred employees, in addition to the Henry County Highway Department, to make up for the difference of losing the twenty-four township positions. There are ways to draw down, but I think we need to look at the areas that aren’t as efficient as those that are efficient. I think our townships are some of the most efficient.”
Townships across the state of Illinois are responsible for providing general assistance to qualifying residents, maintaining roads and bridges, and assessing properties for taxation.
