Legislation that simplifies and expedites consolidation procedures for certain layers of government was signed into law recently by Governor Bruce Rauner.
State Representative Davis S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) served as the Chief House Sponsor of SB 2543, which allows mosquito abatement district boards, by a majority vote, to consolidate the abatement district into a municipality, township or county with agreement by the entity that would assume the mosquito abatement responsibilities.
“Consolidation initiatives that save taxpayers money is a legislative priority of mine, and this new law removes red tape and makes it easier for consolidation to occur,” said Olsen. “With more than 7,000 individual units of government in our state, we must look at ways to consolidate taxing districts so taxpayers can achieve the tax relief they desperately need. This new law is a definite step in the right direction.”
Under the previous law, mosquito abatement districts could only be dissolved through a lengthy process of petition, hearing and referendum. There was no procedure for an abatement board to make a consolidation decision. “SB 2543 has a long list of bipartisan co-sponsors who all agree that we must eliminate bureaucratic barriers that impede consolidation. We will continue to seek opportunities to simplify the consolidation process when taxpayer savings can result.”
SB 2543 is now listed in the Illinois State Statutes as Public Act 100-0793.
