Illinois State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) passed out of both legislative chambers of the Capitol, Senate Bill 1907, which will consolidate township road districts in Cook County. “Currently, the state is threatening to limit the amount of funds going to local townships,” stated Senator Sandoval, Chairman of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee. “Because of this, I sponsored this important legislation to aid townships in Cook County that continue to struggle paying their bills,”.

Senate Bill 1907 will allow the consolidation of township road districts in Cook County if approved by voter referendum. The bill provides for the succession of the duties and responsibilities of township road districts in the event of consolidation. The process begins if the Board of Trustees of the Township chooses to place the question of whether or not to abolish the road district on the ballot. If a majority of the voters choose to abolish the township road district by a referendum then it will end on January 1 of the following year.

After this point, the township may enter into a contract with the county, a municipality, or a private contractor who will carry out these duties and responsibilities. “This legislation will allow townships to provide for greater efficiency of services and lessen the tax burden on residents of the townships,” stated Sandoval. “In addition, this will bring accountability and transparency to the tax payers of the township.” The bill currently has been sent to the Governor’s office.