House approves Hoffman measure to dissolve Belleville Township
From Illinois Business Journal news services
SPRINGFIELD – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, has won House approval for a measure that could result in significant savings for taxpayers by allowing Belleville Township to dissolve, with its powers and responsibilities absorbed by the city of Belleville.
“The township’s only responsibility could easily be taken over by the city of Belleville at a reduced cost to taxpayers,” Hoffman said. “We are now one step closer to allowing this decision to be determined at the local level.”
Hoffman’s House Bill 3693 allows Belleville Township to be dissolved if a majority of both the township board and the Belleville city council approve a dissolution ordinance. Current state law prohibits local, individual dissolution of townships and only allows a countywide vote to eliminate every township within the county.
Belleville Township has the sole task of providing temporary financial assistance to needy families that are not yet on state aid. In the last fiscal year, the township provided about $177,000 in financial assistance but spent more than $288,000 on operating costs.
The House approved Hoffman’s measure on a vote of 106-7. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Hoffman represents Illinois’ 113th Representative District, which includes all or portions of Belleville, Brooklyn, Caseyville, Fairmont City, Fairview Heights, Granite City, Madison, Shiloh, Swansea, Venice and Washington Park.
