Why McHenry County officials could ask voters for home rule powers

As McHenry County officials express frustration at state legislation that they say erodes local control, they’re considering asking voters for permission to become home rule.

Home rule is a classification that allows a local government to enact laws as it sees fit, as long as they’re not in conflict with state laws. That includes more leeway to impose fees, restrictions and taxes.

Though some municipalities in McHenry County have home rule powers, Cook County is the only county in Illinois with such powers.

In recent years, solar farms have been a source of frustration for McHenry County officials because state law has limited the county’s ability to regulate such facilities.

Now, officials at the county and in several municipalities have expressed frustration over the proposed BUILD Act — Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan that would limit local authority on what types of housing structures can be built on land zoned for residential.

So McHenry County officials are considering asking voters to weigh in on a home-rule request during the November election.

Some believe home rule can provide a chance to reclaim some powers, though they acknowledged public education would be necessary. County officials also said the state could pass bills overriding home rule.

While the ability to impose taxes is one reason home rule is often opposed, county officials said they felt their track record shows they would not abuse that power.

When asked about the timing of the home rule discussion, Republican county board member Joe Gottemoller said, “Springfield’s in the middle of taking away our rights.”

Board member Matt Kunkle, also a Republican, said the level of taxation in Illinois is “egregious.” And if there is one county that can get home rule, it might be McHenry County, he said, adding he thinks the board would continue to look for ways to reduce spending and taxes even if home rule is adopted.

“I love this idea,” Kunkle said.

Republican board member Mike Shorten pointed out that Cary had a home rule referendum that voters rejected in 2024. Shorten acknowledged there is a perception that home rule means governing bodies can create taxes.

Democratic board member Gloria Van Hof questioned whether the idea of home rule is what people want or whether it’s what a few people in government want. She said there needs to be an examination of what home rule would mean for McHenry County before moving ahead.

Board member Pamela Althoff, a Republican, said a ballot measure would allow people to express their opinion about home rule.

Althoff said the referendum also provides local lawmakers a tool to show their colleagues in Springfield the impact of state laws back home.

“It’s so bad that McHenry County decided that they were going to do this,” Althoff said. She added that the county taking time to review it means “you have to be at a breaking point.”

The county board has not yet made a final decision on whether the ballot measure would be binding or not.