Contact Us NowChange in legislation allows governmental bodies more time to respond By Richard M. Joseph richard.joseph@mhtlaw.com On August 26, 2011, Governor Quinn signed into law an amendment to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (the “Act”) designed to provide additional time for public bodies to respond to requests of “recurrent requesters”. The new law is being…
Category: Local Government and Public Finance
Drafting a Social Networking Policy
Issues for districts considering whether and how to regulate employees’ electronic communications By Joshua D. Herman joshua.herman@mhtlaw.com Social networking platforms and personal technology devices provide unique opportunities to educate and interact in the modern age. Unchecked, the same technology can also lend itself to unprofessional behavior by employees and the publication or exposure of records…
Appointment of Municipal Officials and Agency Board Members
Appointment of Municipal Officials and Agency Board Members By Richard M. Joseph richard.joseph@mhtlaw.com After municipal elections pass, or upon vacancies in municipal office, it is often helpful to review the manner of appointment for various municipal officials and agency board members, such as the: municipal manager or administrator, municipal attorney, clerk (when the position is…
Property Tax Relief Through Imposition of a Sales Tax
Property Tax Relief Through Imposition of a Sales Tax By Richard M. Joseph richard.joseph@mhtlaw.com Effective January 1, 2003, the State Legislature amended section 8-11-1.1 et seq. of the Illinois Municipal Code; so as to grant non-home rule municipalities the authority to impose an additional sales tax. With this amendment, the State effectively gave municipalities a…
Supreme Court Mandates Right to Cross-Examine Witnesses At Special Use Hearings
Supreme Court Mandates Right to Cross-Examine Witnesses at Special Use Hearings By Richard M. Joseph richard.joseph@mhtlaw.com The Illinois Supreme Court decision in People Ex Rel Robert J. Klaeren II, et al vs. Village of Lisle et al, 202 Ill. 2d. 164 (2002) impacts the manner in which municipalities are permitted to conduct public hearings on…