IL SR0072

Creates a Working Group on Local Government Consolidation to study how specific units of local government in Lake County and the 31st Legislative District may be consolidated or dissolved.

Working Group consists of 21 members including two state senators (one as chair), county officials, representatives from townships, fire districts, park districts, the College of Lake County, school districts, and municipalities appointed by the Governor.

Working Group must meet at least once every three months following the Open Meetings Act, with administrative support provided by the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Working Group must submit a report to the General Assembly by May 31, 2018 addressing the number of local government units and their costs, current intergovernmental cooperation efforts, recommendations for eliminating consolidation barriers, and potential for streamlining or cooperation.

Illinois has over 7,000 units of local government, and the General Assembly finds consolidation can achieve taxpayer cost savings without reducing service quality.