BELLEVILLE, Ill. (AP) - Efforts to dissolve Belleville’s township government are gaining momentum in the Illinois Legislature’s final week.
The Belleville News-Democrat (bit.ly/1KAbCCL) reports legislation sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Jay Hoffman of Swansea has won wide approval in both the state House and Senate.
An amended bill that won unanimous Senate approval Tuesday allows the township board to approve dissolution and transfer its duties to the city of Belleville. The city and township borders are identical.
Hoffman says he expects the House to pass the amended bill before lawmakers adjourn.
Most of Illinois’ more than 1,400 townships assess property taxes and handle road maintenance. The Belleville township’s only role is to provide temporary financial assistance to several dozen needy families annually. The local government’s costs typically exceed the amount of aid given.
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Information from: Belleville News-Democrat, https://www.bnd.com
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