Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
April 17, 2006
A short and simple resolution on tonight’s City Council agenda will begin a new era in the City of O'Fallon. The “Resolution Acknowledging Home Rule” is only a half-page long and states that “Effective April 7, 2006 the
City of O'Fallon became a home rule unit under law.”
April 7 is the date of the letter we received from the Secretary of State’s office confirming O’Fallon’s Special Census population of 25,791. The letter states that O’Fallon “became an automatic Home Rule Unit by population.” As I explained in an earlier blog, state law says that cities may become home rule by population (over 25,000) or by referendum. The City conducted a Special Census last fall to achieve the new population figure.
Another requirement of the state statute is that the City Council has to make a decision acknowledging Home Rule before we can do anything allowed through home rule. Therefore, we will have a resolution on tonight’s agenda.
Above all, home rule means is local control. A non-home rule community cannot do anything unless the state legislature says so. A home rule city can do anything it wants unless it is specifically prohibited by the state legislature. It is an important distinction: home rule cities have more say over matters of local concern by being granted the ability to pass laws or regulations without depending only on permissions stated in State statutes. I believe that O’Fallon residents and elected officials know what’s best for O’Fallon more than the state legislature, so local control is inherently beneficial.
Home rule will allow the community to make all kinds of decisions previously prohibited by state law, such as form of government, debt management, and taxing policies. As a practical matter, the average resident will not see the City operate much differently than before. We do not anticipate any big structural changes. The one significant change will be increasing the Hotel/Motel Tax to pay for the construction of the Family Sports Park – this funding method is not allowed without home rule. (Coincidentally, the bids for the Sports Park are also on tonight’s agenda.)
Another important benefit is additional state revenue. The State of Illinois provides revenue to municipalities according to population through the state income tax, state use tax, and motor fuel tax. The state currently pays $119.50 per person, so the Special Census should bring an additional $450,000 next year (assuming the state rate remains that same). The state assured us that we will receive the new income and use tax revenue for April, which will be a good way to finish the fiscal year.
The new money primarily will go towards two areas: operational expenses and road improvement. More residents mean into more service demands and more operational costs. The other benefited area is street maintenance and construction: Motor Fuel Tax revenues are restricted for certain transportation activities and we need to improve roadways in the growing parts of town.
I don’t think home rule is anything to be afraid of. It brings more decision making authority to the local elected officials, who are the closest public servants to the people. It is better for community government and better for democracy.
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