On the November 8, 2016 election ballot, the residents of the United City of Yorkville will have the opportunity to answer a question on home rule. The Mayor and the City Council have come to the conclusion that its citizens should be given the opportunity to consider becoming a home rule community through a binding referendum. Currently, the City is a non-home rule municipality under the Illinois Constitution. This means the City can only authorize those powers which are expressly granted by the State of Illinois. Home rule municipalities are allowed greater flexibility and authority to address local issues. Home rule status can only be achieved through voter approval or the certification of a population count above 25,000 residents.
The Mayor and the City Council pledge to exercise the Home Rule Powers only to the extent deemed necessary with a view to the long term impact upon the community. Accordingly, the City Council has approved broad restrictions on the use of home rule authority, including but not limited to: limiting the power to incur debt; holding a public hearing prior to the adoption of any new tax or increase in existing tax; and continuing to follow property tax caps under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL).
There will be two special City Council Meetings to discuss the Home Rule Referendum in the City Council Chambers, 800 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 5:30 pm and the second meeting will be on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 5:30 pm. There will be a brief presentation by staff, followed by an informal question and answer session with staff and the City Council. The public is encouraged to attend. The meetings will be conducted in an open house-style format.
General questions regarding the Home Rule Referendum shall be directed to Bart Olson, City Administrator at 630-553-4350.