Townships are the oldest form of local government in Illinois. The Illinois Constitution of 1848 gave voters in each county the opportunity to adopt township government. By 1850, the first township governments began operation. Townships are the governmental entities charged with three basic functions: (1) general assistance for the indigent; (2) the assessment of real property for the basis of local taxation; and (3) maintenance of all roads and bridges outside federal, state, and other local jurisdiction. Beyond the three mandated services, township government provides other vital services to their residents. This may include senior citizens programs, youth programs, assistance to the disabled, parks and recreational facilities, health services, local transportation, open space, and cemetery maintenance. In this regard township government serves its neighbors from the cradle to the grave.
Ancel Glink represents numerous townships throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. We assist our township clients in complex and mixed questions of law, economics finance, general assistance, open space, personnel, collective bargaining, and real estate matters.
Ancel Glink attorneys are the authors of the Township of Illinois Laws and Duties Handbook. The handbook describes and explains the legal rights and responsibilities of townships and it interprets and analyzes the Township Code. The firm also assisted in the creation of the Illinois Township Supervisors Guide.
