Madison County Chairman Kurt Prenzler is calling a special county board meeting Tuesday to discuss a resolution to place an advisory referendum on the ballot asking voters about reducing the number of Madison County board members following the 2020 decennial U.S. Census.
The referendum would read, “Shall the number of County Board members be reduced from the current 29 members following the 2020 Decennial Census?”
“Successful organizations are always looking to improve,” Prenzler stated in a press release. “This is something the voters should be asked.”
With 29 members, the Madison County Board currently has the maximum number of board members allowed by law. Only three other counties in Illinois have 29 county board members - St. Clair County, Sangamon County and LaSalle County.
Prenzler said county boards have an opportunity to adjust their size after each decennial U.S. Census.
He added that district lines must be re-drawn to reflect population changes reported by the 2020 census and ensure equal representation of residents.
“The taxpayers have told us again and again to do more with less,” he said.
Voters have been able to elect county board members since the 1970 Illinois Constitution granted them that power.
The special county board meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday via Twitch at www.twitch.tv/madisoncountyiL.