The mosquito abatement of unincorporated areas in Algonquin Township, but not in municipalities has been a pet peeve of mine for years.
Why should those living outside municipalities get spraying, but not my neighborhood in Lakewood?
In years past, those of us who live in a city or village have been forced to pay for mosquito abatement for unincorpoated residents.
This is discrimination, plain and simple.
The answer I have received is that villages and cities do their own spraying.
Maybe most do, but Lakewood does not.
So, when I read the Annual Town Meeting had voted to discontinue mosquito abatement, I was pleased.
Here is the relevant part of the resolution:
WHEREAS, the electors present at the Annual Town Meeting exercised their statutory authority to determine certain Township programs and expenditures; and
WHEREAS, the electors voted not to authorize mosquito abatement services for Township residents within the unincorporated areas of Algonquin Township for the upcoming fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, actions lawfully taken by Township electors at the Annual Town Meeting are binding upon Township officials when within the electors’ statutory powers; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Township Board to formally acknowledge and implement the direction of the electors and ensure Township expenditures reflect authorized programs only;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Algonquin Township Board as follows:
- Recognition of Elector Action – The Algonquin Township Board hereby acknowledges the action of the electors declining authorization for mosquito abatement services.
- Program Suspension – Mosquito abatement services shall not be funded or administered by Algonquin Township for the applicable fiscal year unless subsequently authorized by lawful elector action.
