Judge hears arguments in Grafton Township dispute
A McHenry County judge heard arguments Monday in a dispute over plans to build a new, $3.5 million Grafton Township hall.
Opponents of the new building, who say it is unnecessary and too costly, obtained a temporary restraining order this month blocking the township board from awarding contracts for the building.
Jim Bishop, an attorney for the opponents, asked Judge Michael Caldwell Monday for an injunction that would prevent any action on the building until voters have a chance to weigh in on the issue.
Opponents have filed a petition with the township clerk seeking to put the issue on the ballot at the next general election.
"We argued that the construction of the township hall had never been authorized by the electors of the township or the township trustees," Bishop said.
Grafton Township attorney Jim Kelly asked Caldwell to dismiss the restraining order, arguing that while a successful ballot question would give the township the authority to build new offices, the township board can also act without voter approval.
"That does not pre-empt the corporate authority of the township to build the building," Kelly said of the referendum option.
Supporters of the new building argue it is needed to meet the township's space needs.
Caldwell is scheduled to rule on the matter on May 4.