McHenry County residents would be allowed to dissolve their townships if legislation in Springfield becomes law. HB 4637, sponsored by state Rep. David McSweeney (R-Cary) and state Sen. Terry Link (D-Gurnee), allows McHenry County townships to submit a question to voters on the ballot about whether that township should dissolve and its responsibilities transferred to the county or municipality. McHenry County residents can also petition for a referendum to dissolve their township.
This bill furthers government consolidation and provides an opportunity for McHenry County residents to lessen their property tax burden. If this model is successful in McHenry County, the rest of Illinois could be included in future legislative efforts.
On May 15, 2018, the Better Government Association’s Policy and Civic Engagement team sent a letter to the McHenry County Board in support of HB 4637. Government consolidation is a key priority for the BGA and HB 4637 would be a step in that direction.
