Illinois midterm election results: Freeport retains home rule status
FREEPORT — The city of Freeport has retained its home rule status.
A referendum which asked Freeport voters whether the Pretzel City should remain a home rule municipality was approved by a margin of 60% to 40% in Tuesday's election, according to unofficial results from the Stephenson County Clerk's office.
In general, home rule authority gives local governments the power to make some decisions on their own, without having to go to Springfield to make changes through the state legislature. This includes raising taxes beyond certain levels set by state law.
There are more than 200 municipalities in Illinois that operate under home rule, according to the Illinois Secretary of State.
After a drop in population according to the 2020 Census, Freeport had to pass a referendum to stay a home rule city. Cities with more than 25,000 residents automatically have home rule while smaller cities must pass a referendum.
2022 Illinois election results:All the midterm election results in one spot
As an industry, realtors are against home rule because any increase in property taxes directly affects their business. Homeowners don’t want to spend more money per month on a home because of a high property tax rate.
Ken DeCoster covers business news and features. Contact him at 815-987-1391, kdecoster@rrstar.com or @DeCosterKen.
This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Illinois elections 2022: Freeport's home rule decided
