Grafton Township hall vote delayed

The Grafton Township board was expected Thursday night to approve contracts for the construction of a new township hall.

Instead, the board tabled action on the contracts after a McHenry County judge granted a temporary restraining order delaying any vote on the contracts.

The board's decision to table the contracts was the latest surprise in what has become probably the most contentious issue in the Huntley area.

The current township board and administration support spending an estimated $3.3 million - not including interest - to erect new township offices at Grafton Farm Drive and Haligus Road in Lake in the Hills.

Supporters of the new building argue it would allow the township to meet the increased demand for township services. They also say the township can pay off the debt for the building without increasing taxes.

But opponents, many of whom were at Thursday's meeting, say the township doesn't need the new building and that the township would have to increase taxes to pay for the building.

Despite the split decision handed to them by voters at Tuesday's annual township meeting, township trustees were set to approve contracts for the new building at Thursday's meeting.

But a last-minute restraining order obtained by Supervisor-elect Linda Moore and other opponents of the building plans blocked the vote - at least for the time being.

Township attorney Jim Kelly suggested the township might challenge the 10-day restraining order.

"We feel it was wrongly granted because the court doesn't have authority to enjoin legislative action," Kelly said.

A hearing on the order is set for April 27.

Delayed: Restraining order stops vote for now