December, 2008
The Village recently received certification of Home Rule status. As a Home Rule community we now have the privilege to self-govern as we work towards the many goals and objectives established by the early volunteer groups and leaders of the community.

1% sales tax increase in Homer Glen was approved January 27, 2009.

A Message from Homer Glen Trustee Laurel Ward

As Homer Glen approaches a population of 25,000 many residents are wondering what affect home rule will have on our community. For those who are concerned, I understand your apprehension. I used to oppose home rule. Two things happened to change my opinion.

The first was a court ruling in 2002 that found non-home rule municipalities cannot make developers pay impact fees other than the very limited state authorized fees. One of the fundamental philosophies that Homer Glen leaders supported throughout the incorporation and establishment of the Village was the belief that new development should not be a burden to existing residents. The use of impact fees is a strategy that requires new development to pay its fair share. Non-home rule communities cannot mandate the assessment of fire district fees, municipal services fees, park construction fees, and other development fees that shift the burden from existing residents and place it on the new development that is creating a demand for additional public services. The court ruling severely restricts Homer Glen’s ability to impose impact fees. This has forced me to learn more about home rule.

The second event that led to my supporting home rule has been an education. Like most people, I made my initial judgment based only on the fears I had heard. I did not take the time to understand what home rule status really means in Illinois. When I finally did my own research, I was surprised to learn exactly what being home rule means and how it has been used by the communities that have attained home rule status.

In Illinois, a non-home rule municipality can only exercise the powers specifically granted to it by state law. Home rule communities have much broader abilities and can basically take any action except those limited by state law. Simply put, home rule gives a municipality the ability to govern itself. Non-home rule municipalities are subject to the control of the State.

The most commonly expressed fear of home rule is that the village board will raise taxes without voter approval. To this address this concern, I can only offer these comments:

The Village Board can do that now, without home rule status and without voter approval. The state authorizes a number of taxes, including several property taxes, that can be approved by the village board without a referendum. Home rule does increase the number of taxes that can be levied without referenda, but it also provides a greater variety of funding options that do not rely solely on existing residents to carry the burden.
University research studies found no evidence that home rule taxing powers are being misused. Rather, the research has shown that home rule status is used predominately to shift the local tax burden from residents to non-residents.
A series of checks and balances are in place to regulate home rule governments. These include:
1. The Illinois Constitution establishes initial protections on the use of home rule.
2. The Constitution places limits on debts, taxation, and punishment.
3. The General Assembly can take away home rule authority with a 2/3 majority vote in both houses.
4. The Illinois courts can and have restricted abusive or excessive uses of home rule.
5. Voters can repeal home rule status if they believe it is being abused.
And most importantly, residents decide who will represent them on the Village Board. Unlike other governments where residents only vote for a minority of the legislative body (i.e. wards or districts) Homer Glen voters determine the entire Village Board.

The strength and weakness of all democratic governments is found in the level of participation of the constituents it serves. Voter apathy can lead to the election of poor government officials while grassroots involvement leads to better representation. After the votes have been cast, residents should stay informed and involved. Fortunately, with today’s technology it is easier than ever to do so. Resident participation is the best way to ensure your elected officials are representing your interests.

Home rule powers were initiated by folks that believed in the notion that the government closest to the people will best understand and serve their interests. When we incorporated in 2001, we did so because the residents of Homer Glen wanted local control. Home rule is the best tool for providing that local control since it allows more decisions to be made locally, rather than decided by the State. It provides the Village with greater flexibility to respond to the changing needs of the community. Most importantly, the extent to which it is employed is determined by the people you elect.

I encourage you to be involved in your government. Attend or watch a Village Board or Plan Commission meeting. A binder of information on Home Rule is available at the Village Hall and library or you are welcome to email me at lward@homerglen.org.

Laurel Ward, Village Trustee

(Back to Top)