On the November 3rd ballot, voters across Bourbonnais Township will decide whether to abolish the Bourbonnais Township Road District. In part two of this WVLI News Update Special Report, host Jake LaMore speaks with Bourbonnais Township Supervisor Jeff Umphrey to discuss the Township Board’s perspective on the referendum and the arguments supporting a "Yes" vote.
In this interview, Umphrey outlines the case for consolidation, including:
- The proposed governance structure: transitioning oversight from a single highway commissioner to a five-member elected township board.
- Projected taxpayer savings of $500,000 to $600,000 annually through administrative reductions, lower legal fees, and decreased property tax levies.
- Assurances regarding road services, including snow removal, brush pickup, and the retention of road crew personnel.
- The board's stance on recent equipment financing, statutory spending limitations between specific funds (such as Permanent Road vs. Building and Equipment), and budgeting authority.
- Explanations regarding fund balances, levy adjustments, and documentation regarding bank transactions and Certificate of Deposit (CD) transfers.
- Inquiries surrounding fuel facility installations, bidding thresholds, and referrals to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
- The broader trend of road district consolidations across Illinois townships.
Note: This episode is the second installment of a two-part series on the Bourbonnais Township Referendum. Part one features Bourbonnais Township Highway Commissioner Jason Diaz presenting the case for a "No" vote.