Metro East Sun

State Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) explained his opposition to Senate Bill 928 which would merge two municipalities.

Speaking before the Senate passed the bill sponsored by Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) via a 36-18 vote, Plummer cited the lack of transparency in communicating the bill to local residents as his main issue with the bill.

"Why would we not follow course of referendum for residences within Centreville Township to also make this decision?" he asked. "We’re making a significant change without these people’s voices. We’ve decided the legislature is going to force this merger. Will this cause any double taxation?"

Belt, however, assured Plummer that double taxation won't happen — there will not be an additional cost. Still unconvinced by his Democratic colleague, Plummer then pointed out what he sees as a lack of transparency in advancing the bill.

"I would just remind the body, that this action is unprecedented in the state of Illinois," Plummer said. "This process has been sloppy at best. Just yesterday, we were being assured the township was coterminous with the other boundaries and we again pointed out it was not."

The bill would dissolve Centreville Township and put its authorities and properties under control of  Cahokia Heights.

“This gets rid of a whole form of government — a township form of government,” Belt explained. “Those elected officials including Signal Hill, who are a part of the township, voted these officers in who took action to dissolve the township. Extensive conversations were had with Signal Hill. They want to be part of Stookey Township and that’s what going to happen for them. Parkville Terrace will be annexed into Cahokia Heights.”

Senate Bill 928 also “Provides that Cahokia Heights may enter into an intergovernmental agreement or contract with the county or the State to administer the duties and responsibilities of the township officers for services under its jurisdiction.”

It also “Provides that the records of Centreville Township shall be deposited in the city clerk's office of Cahokia Heights. Cahokia Heights may close up all unfinished business of the Township and sell and dispose of any of the property belonging to the Township for benefit of the inhabitants of Cahokia Heights.”