Ballot proposition for the November 2020 election

The following proposition is on the November 2020 ballot.

PROPOSITION TO ABOLISH THE ROAD DISTRICT OF THE TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMINGDALE

Shall the Road District of the Township of Bloomingdale be abolished with all the rights, powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, obligations, and responsibilities being assumed by the Township of Bloomingdale?

What Does the Road District do?

The Road District is responsible for approximately 65+ miles of roads and right-of-ways in the unincorporated areas in Bloomingdale Township. Staff remove snow and ice from the roads, cut grass along the right-of-ways in front of vacant property, maintain the drainage ditches, and maintain the road surface and bridges. The Road District, also, maintains and installs traffic control and street signs, and help protect the wetlands.

Why Did the Bloomingdale Town Board put the question of abolishing the Road District and consolidating it into the Township?

The Road District is an independent unit of government staffed by an elected Road District Commissioner, who, by law, operates with little oversight by the Township Board of Trustees and Township Supervisor. 

1. The Road District Commissioner and Road District employees and their operations are separate from the Township Board of Trustees and Township Supervisor.

    

2. Contracts entered into by the Road District are not subject to review or approval by the Township Board of Trustees and Township Supervisor.

    

3. New laws, regulations, policies and procedures of the Road District are not voted on or approved by the Township Board of Trustees and Township Supervisor.

4. The geographic boundaries of the Bloomingdale Township Road District, and Bloomingdale Township are identical.

What will happen if the Road District is abolished?

1. The Road District Commissioner elected official position will cease to exist as of May 17, 2021.Road District employees will become employees of the Township, and under the supervision of the Township Board of Trustees and Township Supervisor.

    

2. All assets, liabilities and contracts will be assumed by Bloomingdale Township, and the daily operations will continue to be performed by the existing employees.

What will happen if the Road District is not abolished?

1. The Road District Commissioner elected official position will continue to exist, and Road District employees and operations will continue to operate without oversight or supervision of the Township Board of Trustees and Township Supervisor.