Services

Township government is described as the unit of government that is closest to the people. Township government survives and thrives today as the oldest existing form of government. It is the only for of government where township residents vote on action items.

The annual meeting is held the 2nd Tuesday in April at 7:00pm to provide for maximum public participation. Each township provides services unique to their community, but share the same main functions.

The 3 main functions of Illinois Township Government are:

• Administering the General Assistance Program

• Assessing properties

• Maintaining roads and bridges

The Township Supervisor helps formulate township policies and supervise their enactment. The supervisor participates in the development and approval of the township budget as well as the hiring of municipal employees. As a member of the township board, the supervisor will cast a vote on community issues.

The Township Clerk is an elected official whose responsibilites are defined by state statute, and include:

• Recording and maintaining Township meeting minutes.

• Maintaining custody of all Township records.

• Coordinating election details.

The Assessor is responsible for the mass appraisal of all taxable property within the Township and assists residents with property tax exemptions.

The Highway Commissioner is responsible for the construction and maintenance of those roads and bridges. Of Illinois roads, 53% are under the jurisdiction of the Townships. A Townships road district is, in many aspects, a separate government. Neither the Township board of Trustees nor the Township Supervisor has any jurisdiction, or authority, over the highway commissioner and/or employees of the road district. The employees of the road district are subject to the directions and requirements set forth by the Highway Commissioner, not the Township board.

It has been demonstrated clearly that where the Highway commissioner, the Supervisor, the Clerk and the Township board work in harmony, the taxpayer usually benefits.

Four Township Trustees serve as the board of representing the interest of the Township residents.

Notary Public:

David Myer (Township Supervisor) and Joyce Bailey (Clerk) are both notaries and will be glad to notarize papers free of charge for Rutland Township residents.

Freedom and Information Act:

Requests for inspection or copies of public records may be made in writing and directed to a Rutland Township Freedom of Information Act officers. David Myer or Joyce Bailey.