Lemont Home Rule Referendum Question Will Appear On Ballot

LEMONT, IL — Lemont residents will see a question on the November ballot regarding the village becoming a home rule municipality. The board approved a resolution for the referendum at its Aug. 13 meeting, and plans to send out information regarding the pros and cons of home rule over the coming months.

According to board documents, staff is not taking a position on the question itself but believes that residents should weigh in on the issue. Home rule involves the village's ability to govern itself; and becoming home rule could give the village broader and more flexible revenue streams as a means to reduce the tax burden on residents, according to board documents.

The question that will appear on the ballot is:

Shall the Village of Lemont become a home rule unit of government pursuant to Article VII, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois?

According to board documents, the village board has discussed the financial benefits of home rule status, including a local sales tax increase. Home rule status could also improve the bond ratings for the village and allow the village to incur debt beyond 20 years.

The home rule question will appear on the ballot for Lemont voters for the Nov. 6 general election.

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