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More Than 1,400 Illinois Townships To Hold Annual Town Meetings

More than 1,400 Illinois townships will hold their annual town meeting tonight.

More than 170,000 people live in Rockford Township, which is one of the largest townships in Illinois. 

Township Supervisor Jasper St. Angel says the typical number of residents that come to the town meetings is between 10 and 15. St. Angel says he’s not anticipating any controversial issues coming up during this year’s town meeting. He also says Rockford Township is one of the few local governments in the state without debt.

Rockford Township Supervisor Jasper St. Angel

“That may be a reason why there’s not a lot of interest in township, because we are being fiscally sound with their money [and] being responsible,” he said.

St. Angel says he urges residents to participate, since part of their property taxes help with township operations. Functions of township government include property assessment, highway upkeep and social service programs.

There are about 46,000 people living in DeKalb Township. Typically, about 15 people attend the meeting each year, unless there’s a divisive issue of widespread community interest. That’s according to Jenny Jeep Johnson, supervisor for DeKalb Township.

DeKalb Township Supervisor Jenny Jeep Johnson

Johnson says she’s anticipating a more low-key town meeting this year, since there’s no land the township is looking to buy or sell. Still, she says, it’s worthwhile for residents to participate in “democracy in its truest form,” as she calls it.

“It’s a great way to come and let your voice be heard and have an official say as a vote on record for different items.”

Functions of township government include property assessment, highway upkeep and social service programs.