Illinois lawmakers are pushing to give one of the most highly taxed counties in the state the ability to cut their property tax bills through consolidation.

The state has more than 1,400 township districts. Each one is able to tax local residents for services. State Rep. Dave McSweeney says there is little need for them in highly populated places like McHenry County, where the taxing bodies often overlap and send property tax bills soaring.

His new legislation would make it easier for voters there to get a question on the ballot asking to consolidate a township.

Bryan Smith with the Township Officials of Illinois says townships are often the cheapest method of delivery for some services.

Illinois has 1,800 more units of government than any other state.

94.1 WGFA