The Springfield City Council has approved a non-binding advisory referendum to see if city residents want to dissolve the portion of townships that fall within the city limits.
The question will go on the municipal election ballot next April. Although the language of the referendum would appear to call for the dissolution of Capital Township, no one from that township spoke on the proposal. But residents of other townships objected, saying that eliminating the portion of their jurisdictions that fall within the city limits could wipe out a big chunk of their tax base and cripple their ability to provide services.
Only city residents will vote on the question, and even if it’s approved, any dissolution of townships would still require state legislative action.
