McHenry Times

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) said he recently filed legislation that would require a cost analysis before any consolidation actions are taken on township road districts.

“People seek consolidation because they want lower taxes,” Reick said in a release. “I fully support consolidation that results in lower taxes. But consolidation just for the sake of consolidation – when taxes don’t go down or possibly would actually increase – that is not in the best interest of taxpayers.”

Reick’s bill, House Bill 4190, would require townships to undertake an independent cost study to determine whether abolishing a road district would be cost-effective prior to submitting a referendum proposal to abolish that road district. He classified the move as an effort at increased transparency to ensure that voters have all the facts.

Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock)

“SB03 and HB607 were both signed into law in August of this year, but neither includes this additional step of transparency,” Reick said in the release, referring to the two consolidation-related bills. “Consolidation does not necessarily equate to lower taxes because services must still be provided. Before asking taxpayers to make a decision at the ballot box, trustees need to ensure that a successful vote won’t have unforeseen negative consequences on people’s property tax bills.”