Riverside Township electors voted unanimously to adopt a resolution opposing recent state proposals to eliminate township government.

Supervisor Vera Wilt presented the township's written report and told meeting attendees the supervisor and trustees had passed a resolution last month opposing the governor's proposed budget plan that included eliminating townships. "The resolution was passed," Wilt said, adding that township officials were encouraged by the Illinois Township officials association to seek similar reaffirmation at their annual meeting.

The nut graf: The resolution formalizes Riverside Township's position that townships provide locally administered social services and that consolidation into county government would shift responsibility for programs such as general assistance, emergency aid and the food pantry. The supervisor framed the measure as a defensive step in the face of recurring legislative proposals.

During discussion, Trustee Mary Rob Clark moved from the floor to adopt the township's commitment to maintaining township services and opposing legislation to consolidate or eliminate townships in Illinois. The motion was seconded from the floor and put to a voice vote. Meeting minutes record the vote as "Aye" with no nays recorded on the transcript; the moderator declared the motion approved.

The resolution references the Board of Trustees' earlier action and the township's practice of providing both statutory and optional services: Wilt told the meeting that "General assistance is statutorily required by the state of Illinois. Emergency assistance is optional, but we provide both in this township." She encouraged residents to support the township if future legislative action reappeared.

Ending: The resolution will remain on the township record. No follow-up assignment or implementation timetable was recorded in the meeting transcript.