Legislation to Ensure Accountability at Township Meetings

     Because there is no requirement for a minimum number of citizens to be present in order for the township meeting to be called to order, it is common for very few people to attend, which allows only a handful of people to make large decisions on township policy, Ramey said.

      “We just want to make sure there are some safeguards in place so that potential hot-button topics are not approved without the public’s knowledge,” Ramey said. “Also, if a specific constituency is upset about a particular issue, they can easily change township policy simply by attending the township annual meeting.”

     House Bill 5505, which was supported by the Township Officials of Illinois, includes the following provisions for township meetings:

1. Requires township boards to adopt an agenda at least 10 days before their annual meeting.
2. Provides that 15 or more registered voters of the township may add an agenda item by giving written notice to the township clerk by March 1st, prior to the annual meeting.
3. The township’s published agenda must include any request by the voters if it is an item relevant to powers granted under the township code.
4. Proposals or other matters not included within the published agenda may not be considered at the annual meeting but may be considered during a special meeting at a later date.
5. Special township meetings must have 15 or more electors present at the time of the meeting to convene.

At this time, House Bill 5505 now goes to the Senate for discussion.