ROCK ISLAND COUNTY, Ill. (KWQC) - Illinois lawmakers are considering significant changes to local government operations by proposing the dissolution or consolidation of townships.

Supporters of the bills argue that such a move could lead to cost savings, but township leaders are raising concerns about potential negative impacts on local services.

The proposed bills in both the Senate and the House would target townships based on their population size. The Senate bill suggests dissolving townships with populations under 5,000, while the House bill takes aim at townships with fewer than 500 residents.

If passed, these townships would merge with surrounding townships or counties, and counties would assume responsibilities like property assessments, road maintenance, and general assistance.

Township leaders are concerned about whether counties will be able to effectively handle the additional responsibilities, which have traditionally been managed at the township level.

“In Illinois, townships currently maintain 71,000 miles of roads statewide, providing critical infrastructure services. In Rock Island County, townships are responsible for plowing 400 miles of roads, with individual townships like those in Rock Island County maintaining 200 miles of roads,” said said John Brandmeyer, Rock Island Township Supervisor.

Brandmeyer argue that consolidation could lead to slower services, fewer local resources, and no real cost savings for taxpayers.

“We’re able to get the services and increase those services as we go on as the need arises and do it with the same amount of dollars by effectively manage it. When you get to bigger government, it’s not as effectively managed.”

Rock Island County has no townships with fewer than 500 residents, but 12 townships have populations under 5,000.

Illinois has over 7,000 units of government, including townships, which is significantly more than any other state.