East Central Reporter

At a recent Dolson Township board meeting held on November 4, 2025, officials voted to increase the township’s tax levy by 4.9%, reaching the maximum amount allowed without requiring a public hearing. The decision was made with little discussion among board members, according to observers present at the meeting.

"The attorney briefly explained that it was being increased the limit allowed before triggering a hearing on the matter," one attendee noted.

There has been ongoing scrutiny of Dolson Township’s financial practices in recent months. Concerns were raised about spending and alleged misuse of funds. Observers encouraged residents to review bank records for transparency. They also referenced an alleged theft involving more than $200,000 in checks signed by former township officials.

Despite these issues, the board approved an additional $4,000 increase to the General Assistance fund levy. According to Illinois law (60 ILCS 1/85-65), township funds such as General Assistance are not permitted to exceed 2.5 times the annual average expenditure from the previous three fiscal years. In Dolson Township’s case, with an average expense of $369.31 over three years, the legal limit would be $923.38 for this fund; however, records show there is currently $54,867.13 in that account.

"Considering they have $54,867.13 in that levied account, it is clear there is no need for an increase as it is already well past the legal limit," one observer stated.

There were also questions regarding how General Assistance funds are spent; payments reportedly went primarily to utility companies rather than individuals in need—an action categorized under Emergency Assistance per state law and subject to specific approval requirements by the board.

The attorney representing Dolson Township did not address concerns about exceeding legal limits on fund accumulation or comment on procedural issues during the meeting, including adopting new public comment policies without notice or failing to post a meeting agenda at the location.

Attendance at the meeting was notable given Dolson Township's small population of 358 residents.