Senate Bill Could Pave the Way for Dissolving County Airport Authority, Sanitation District

Illinois Sen. Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) has co-sponsored a bill that would give the DuPage County Board authority to dissolve smaller units of government.

The legislation, Senate Bill 494, would affect the county airport authority, county fair and exposition authority and sanitary districts. Current law requires a voter referendum to dissolve these appointed boards and authorities.

Cullerton's bill is the first goal of the newly formed DuPage County Caucus, a group of nine Illinois state senators focused on promoting the interests of DuPage County, according to a news release from Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park).

“DuPage County is a unique part of the state,” Harmon, founder and co-chairman of the DuPage County Caucus said in a statement Thursday.

“Many of its communities have similar concerns and expect similar things from state government. I thought it was important for all the senators who represent the area to discuss these issues and form an advocacy plan.”

In addition to Harmon, who serves as president pro tempore, the DuPage County Caucus includes Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), the Senate Republican Leader; Co-chairman Michael Connelly (R-Wheaton), Cullerton, Kirk Dillard (R-Westmont), Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) and Jim Oberweis (R-North Aurora). 

The County Board would have to dissolve the authorities by ordinance, including a hearing before the vote.

"Chairman (Dan) Cronin and the County Board are committed to taking bold and innovative steps to reduce duplication of government services,"  Connelly said in a statement. "This legislation will enable DuPage County to set a trend for others to follow."