Evanston voters support dissolving township

Evanston voters supported dissolving Evanston Township by a nearly 2:1 ratio Tuesday.

An advisory referendum asking if voters want Evanston Township to dissolve, transferring all of its services, responsibilities, powers, assets and obligations to the City of Evanston received 66.94 percent of the vote or 8,365 votes and about 33.06 percent, or 4,131, voted no.

Evanston Township levies taxes, runs a general assistance program and helps residents understand property tax assessments, but has the same borders as the city and Evanston City Council members double as Township board of trustees.

City officials have said dissolving the township could save nearly $500,000 in personnel and real estate costs. The ballot question was advisory, not binding, which means it served as direction for the city of Evanston to act on.