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“I know very few people, unless they are township recipients or township employees, who really understand and embrace the township form of government,” said Trustee Ann Rainey. “It is a waste. It’s archaic. We need to move forward.”
If a referendum to dissolve Evanston Township is approved, put to vote and passed, it could open up a can of worms. Evanston City Attorney Grant Farrar reminded trustees that ending township government isn't as simple as saying, "draft a referendum." There are conflicting state statutes to deal with and few examples of how to move forward with dissolution in an efficient manner; the last time a township was dissolved in Illinois was in downstate Williamson County. Because dissolving a township is akin to untying the Gordian Knot, City officials are hoping to have the referendum on the March 20, 2012 general election ballot, which will give them time to lobby Springfield to make it easier to dissolve the township.
Rainey said the City of Evanston could see a savings of close to $700,000 in government fees and rentals. City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz put the savings at savings around $500,000.
Other Evanston elected officials expressed concern.Trustee Delores Holmes told TribLocal:
“I think it’s irresponsible of us to talk about abolishing the township without having a firm plan of what’s going to happen with the general assistance. I do not believe there’s going to be even a half-million dollar savings, because there has to be people in place to provide these services.”
