BELLEVILLE – A real "man bites dog" story comes from the Metro-East area, where the Belleville Township board members voted unanimously Tuesday to shut down their township founded in 1885, as reported by the Belleville News- Democrat.
Trustee Michael Hagberg said they paved the way to possibly save taxpayers an estimated $250,000 a year. The township will close on May 15, 2017, as long as the Belleville City Council agrees to take over the township’s responsibilities of providing aid to needy individuals.
The state law that allows the dissolution had bipartisan support from state lawmakers last year because it is designed to cut overhead costs by letting the city take over the township’s duties. The exact amount of savings would not be known until the city begins handling the township’s duties.
“Congratulations, you all just made history,” said Belleville City Clerk Dallas Cook after he tallied the unanimous vote for dissolution. Cook also serves as township clerk and has been a vocal supporter of closing the township in an effort to save money.
More at Belleville News-Democrat.
The townships of Geneva, St. Charles and Batavia should follow suit.
These three have very few miles of roads left to maintain, as their respective city governments have incorporated almost all of each township.
About all they need anymore is the Office of Assessor.