In 1850, counties were given the option of dividing into Townships. Kane County has 16 such Townships. Township government is one of the oldest forms of government in Illinois. While the viability of the continued role of township government has been questioned recently, those who work with townships and recieve services from them have no doubt about their importance. Townships perform three mandatory functions. Briefly summarized, townships are responsible for maintaining township road district highways and bridges, managing the General Assistance Fund (a fund to assist individuals and families in need) and assessing all property within the township, including the incorporated areas, as the foundation of the Illinois Property Assessment System.
Townships have been given various powers which they may exercise depending on the local needs of their constiuencies and the activism of Township Officials. In addition to the three basic functions, Dundee Township operates and maintains two cemeteries, an 860 acre open space program and was instrumental in acquiring services and providing funding along with other Dundee Township Partners for the Ride in Kane Program. The Ride in Kane Program provides curb to curb transportation to Seniors and the Disabled in our Community.
Township Voters established the Dundee Township East Cemetery in 1890. The Dundee Township West Cemetery came under Township control through voter action in 1955 (originally operated by the Dundee Association established in 1860).
Voters established the Township Open Space Program in 1997 and purchased 860 acres of open space.
The Township Board consists of the Supervisor and four trustees elected at large from the Township. The Supervisor acts as chairman of the board, and the township clerk is the clerk of the township board. Each person on the board casts one vote. The Clerk is not a voting member, except in the case of a tie vote to fill a vacancy in office. The Assessor is also elected at large from the Township and appraises property and places values on it according to formulas set by the Illinois Department of Revenue. The Highway Commissioner is elected at large from the Township and has all the district roads under his jurisdiction except those inside incorporated cities and villages. He or she is responsible for their construction and maintenance.
