Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Mchenry Township Board

A McHenry County Circuit Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the McHenry Township board asking officials to remove a referendum from the November ballot that gives taxpayers the power to eliminate the road district with a majority vote. Filed on behalf of more than 30 McHenry Township residents, the lawsuit alleges the township board did not follow the directions of electors who voted at the government's annual town meeting to request a cost study be done to determine whether consolidation would save taxpayers money. On Thursday, Circuit Court Judge Kevin Costello dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that electors do not have the statutory power to direct the board. Genna Hibbs, the Woodstock attorney who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the residents, would not comment on whether her clients planned to appeal the decision. Trustee Bob Anderson called the dismissal "a great victory for the voters." "This is up to the voters to decide," said Anderson, who has been fighting for township consolidation for three decades.