League of Women Voters. Focus on Sangamon County. ClUo) ilLlNOlS H5STORICAi. SUk'-J^i ,„PfPplsi lilHfeliiiii I- 1 1 32. •P FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY aUWWSlOWCMSUMEt FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SPRINGFIELD I960 3^ - .0^7 73 J PREFACE The League of Women Voters of the United States was formed in 1920 to encourage informed and active participa- tion of citizens in government. In the forty years which have followed, 127,000 women have joined local Leagues in cities all over the country and state Leagues have been established in all of the fifty states. Before a local League may become affiliated with the national organization, it is required that the members observe government at first hand and make known their findings. The local League is then permitted to work toward solutions of problems which they have come upon while studying the operation of their own local governing bodies. The League of Women Voters of Springfield was estab- lished in 1939. Thus, "Focus on Sangamon County" repre- sents not only a concentrated year-long effort by a large group from our membership, but also the experience and knowledge we have gained in studying, analyzing, and work- ing with local government over the past twenty-one years. The League works not only on the local level but on the state and national levels as well. We are well aware that the task of being an informed citizen is increasingly complex as government becomes more intricate and the tempo of change is accelerated. In "Focus on Sangamon County" we believe we have surmounted the difficulties inherent in writing about a government which is never static. In everyday lan- guage, it describes the operation of our local government and the services which are provided by our tax dollar. We do not criticize, nor do we praise. We are certain that each time a copy of "Focus on Sangamon County" Is read, we shall be closer to our ultimate goal: the Informed citizen who will act. We are deeply grateful to the many persons — govern- mental officials and private citizens alike — who contributed generous quantities of Information, patience, and time that this book might be placed in your hands. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SPRINGFIELD Miss Maude Myers, Editor Mrs. Robert DIckerman and Mrs. Larry Deruy, Survey Chairmen Mrs. Robert Oxtoby, President 1959-60 Mrs. H. Edwin Smith, President 1960-61 September, I960 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS TABLE OF CONTENTS History of Sangamon County 9 Taxes General Property Tax 9 Who Assesses Property? 9 Inequities in Assessments 9 Your Tax Bill 9 Fiscal Definitions "■. 10 Sangamon County Sangamon County Board of Supervisors 12 Public Welfare 12 Highways 13 Regional Planning Commission 13 Elected Officials 13 County Clerk 15 Treasurer 15 Auditor 15 Recorder 15 County Superintendent of Schools 16 County Board of School Trustees 16 Coroner 16 Sheriff 16 State's Attorney 17 Township Government Townships Other Than Capital 18 Township Officers 18 Supervisor 18 Assistant Supervisors 18 Township Clerk 18 Township Assessor 18 Township Collector 18 Road Commissioner 18 Township Auditors 18 Town Meeting 19 Financing the Township 19 Capital Township 19 City of Springfield City Council 20 Responsibilities of Elected Officials 20 The Mayor 20 The Commissioner of Accounts and Finances 20 The Commissioner of Public Health and Safety 21 The Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements 21 The Commissioner of Public Property. . . 21 Service Departments of the City 21 City Water, Light and Power Department 2 1 Fire Department 24 Garbage Collection Department 24 Health Department 24 Police Department 24 Street Department and Sewer Department 24 Traffic Engineering Department 25 Financing the City 25 Administrative Boards and Commissions 25 City Election Commission 25 Civil Defense Agency 25 Civil Service Commission 25 Electrical Commission 25 Firemen's Pension Board and Police Pension Board 25 Housing Authority 25 Lincoln Library Board 26 Liquor Control Commission 26 Municipal Band Commission 26 Oak Ridge Cemetery Board 26 Plan Commission 26 Playground and Recreation Commission 26 Public Building Commission 27 Zoning Board of Appeals 27 Advisory Boards and Commissions 27 City Youth Commission 27 Historical Monuments Commission 27 Human Relations Committee 27 Police Advisory Board 27 Utility Advisory Board 27 Others 27 Courts of Sangamon County Circuit Court 28 Circuit Court Clerk 28 Public Defender 28 Master of Chancery 28 County Court 28 Probate Court 29 Justices of the Peace and Constables 29 Police Magistrate 29 State's Attorney 29 Probation Officers 30 Juries 30 Education Public Schools 32 County 32 Financing 32 Transportation 32 School Lunch Program 32 Teachers 32 Health Service 32 6 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY Special Services 32 Springfield Sanitary District 36 Special Charter District 1 86 32 Soil Conservation District 37 Personnel 33 Drainage Districts 37 Teachers 33 Retirement 33 Elections and Voting Information Special Services 33 Voting Procedures 38 Transportation 33 Who May Vote 38 Health 33 Registration 38 Special Education 33 How to Vote 38 School Lunch Program 33 Marking A Ballot 39 Private Schools 33 To Vote A Split Ticket 39 Parochial 33 To Vote A Straight Ticket 39 Special Schools 33 Write-in Candidates 39 Cumulative Voting 39 Special Purpose Districts Absentee Voting 39 Springfield Airport Authority 35 Districts 39 Fire Protection Districts 35 Pleasure Driveway and Park District of Springfield 36 Facts About Sangamon County 40 ILLUSTRATIONS Sangamon county court house II Tomb of Abraham Lincoln, Oak Ridge Cemetery 14 Map of Sangamon County 22-23 Springfield's new Municipal Building 31 Vachel Lindsey home, memorial to the poet 34 HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY County government in Illinois is almost two centuries old, having been established in 1779. The previous year George Rogers Clark had captured the vaguely defined Illinois coun- try for Virginia, whose legislature proceeded to organize the area as the "county of Illinois," with Kaskaskia as the county seat. Virginia's control over the territory, however, was never effective. In 1784 the Old Dominion ceded its western claims, including Illinois, to the federal govertirnent, which subsequently incorporated the area into the larger Northwest Territory. In 1787 the national government passed an ordinance establishing a form of government for the territory. The first territorial governor, Arthur St. Clair, did not get around to visiting the Illinois country until 1790, but upon his arrival in Kaskaskia he immediately organized most of Illinois Into a county that he promptly named for himself. In 1 795 a second Illinois county, Randolph, was organized, the last until 1812, three years after Illinois became a terri- tory in its own right. On December 3, 1818, Illinois was taken into the Union as the twenty-first state. The first state governor was Shadrach Bond, and the first lieutenant gov- ernor was Pierre Menard. More counties were established in virtually every year until 1859, when the last two of Illinois' 102 counties were formed. Sangamon county, Illinois' twenty-second county, was created January 30, 1821. Its original boundaries included, besides Its present area, all or part of eleven counties organ- ized at later dates. At the time Sangamon county was formed, each Illinois county was governed by a court of three commissioners which exercised both administrative and judicial powers. Sangamon county's first commissioners were elected April 2, 1821. Under Illinois' second constitution, adopted In 1848, counties were given the option of continuing the commission form of government or adopting township organization, under which they would be governed by a board of super- visors whose members represented the various townships. The constitution of 1 870, In effect today, continued this pro- vision for optional forms of county government. Sangamon county voters approved adoption of township organization in November, I860. By March I, 1861, 22 townships had been formed. Today Sangamon county is divided Into 27 townships. According to I960 preliminary census figures, Sanga- mon county's population was 146,096. The city of Spring- field, the county seat and also the state capital, contained 83,001 Inhabitants on preliminary count. The population of the Springfield suburban area is increasing more rapidly than that of the city proper, and the population decline in the county's rural area, shown in the previous census, seems to have been checked. Early Firsts for Sangamon County 1817 First cabin built in the county In October, 1817, by Robert Pulllam. The site of this cabin was about ten miles south of Springfield near Glenarm. hHe also built one of the first treadmills and introduced the first cotton gin Into the settlement. The area, because of its fine lands, soon began to attract emigrants from many states. Two other reasons settlers came to this area were the law giving them first right to purchase land they had improved and the Edwardsvllle Treaty assuring safety from Indian violence. 1819 First extensive business In the county was a horse mill, a band mill and a water mill built by Levi Cantrall in 1819. He then started a tannery. The first merchant was Elijah lies, who established a log cabin store at Second and Jefferson streets in Springfield. 1820 Dr. Gershom Jayne was the first physician to settle in Sangamon county; within ten years four other doctors had arrived. 1821 The first county courthouse was a log cabin built at the northwest corner of Second and Jefferson streets In 1 82 1 at a cost of $63. The first marriage license was also issued this year. The first religious society was organized by Charles R. Matheny, a Methodist minister. 1822 A log cabin schoolhouse was built in Springfield on the hill north of Washington street between Lewis and Pasfieid about 1822. Andrew Orr was the first teacher. 1823 In 1823 the government opened a land office In Spring- field with Pascal P. Enos as its receiver. The second day the land office was open, Elijah lies, Pascal P. Enos, John Taylor, and Thomas Cox each entered a quarter section of township 16 to lay out a town. This area Is called Old Town Plot. It extended from Madison on the north to Monroe on the south and from Seventh on the east to First on the west. The first newspaper, the "Sangamo Spectator," was printed by Hooper Warren. 1828 John T. Stuart, lawyer, established the first law office. 1 842 The first locomotive arrived In Springfield in I 842 on wooden rails from Meredosia on the Illinois river. After that time Springfield to St. Louis travelers gen- erally went by train to Meredosia and from that point by boat to St. Louis. 1848 The Illinois-Michigan canal was completed. By 1850 a man could go from Springfield to New York in three 8 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY weeks, via the Wabash Railroad to Naples and from first attempt at street paving was made in front of there by boat. some stores on the square. 1851 Springfield Marine and Insurance Company, now 1855 The first Springfield city directory was printed, known as the Springfield Marine Bank, was established. |857 The first fire company was established. The Springfield Marine Bank is the oldest operating I I • III- • I860 The first president from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, was bank in Illinois. '^ elected. 1853 The first state fair was held in Springfield. ,866 Deep coal was discovered in Riverton. 1854 Springfield Gas Light Company was organized; the 1868 First water pumping station on the Sangamon river. TAXES The tax structure of Sangamon county, as of all counties of Illinois, is governed by article IX (revenue) of the constitu- tion of Illinois, written in 1870, and by applicable statutes passed by the General Assembly. All taxes must fall into one of three main categories: 1. General property tax. This tax is levied on land, improvements to the land, and all personal property. 2. Occupation taxes. The so-called sales tax — officially the "Retailers' Occupation Tax" — comes under this label. It is a narrowly defined tax, and its application is somewhat irregular. For example, a suit of clothes bought in a depart- ment store is taxable, while a suit of the same price, custom made by a tailor, is not, because the tailor Is not in the business of retailing. 3. Privilege taxes. Many of our fees and licenses fall in this grouping. An example Is the gasoline tax, which Is really a tax on the privilege of using the highways, and does not apply to that gasoline used In the fields or in the air. General Property Tax The chief source of revenue is the property tax, about 70 per cent of which Is assessed on real estate and the rest on personal property. The statutes provide that real estate shall be assessed for tax purposes every four years, personal property every year on the first of April. Assessments are made a year in advance of the receipt of the tax bill; there is thus sometimes a very long lag between your purchase of an Item and its appearance on your tax bill. To take a hypothetical case: In April of I960 the assessor comes to your door and assesses your personal property. In May you purchase a new car. That car is assessed in April of 1961. It Is reflected on your tax bill In 1962, by which time it Is two years old. In actual practice, little or no attempt Is made to assess intangible personal property such as stocks, bonds, and bank accounts. The common practice Is to assess rooms of fur- niture, cars and boats, television sets, and other such large items. Who Assesses Property? Each township elects a township assessor, who, with the consent of the town board of auditors, may appoint deputy assessors to help him In the work. There are no legally specified qualifications for the job of assessor. An exception to this procedure Is found In Capital township, where the county clerk is the ex officio assessor. (See the chapter on township government.) Sangamon county has no supervisor of assessments, hlowever, under the law, the county board of supervisors has the power to appoint a supervisor of assessments; In counties where such an appointment Is made, the state pays half the salary of the assessment supervisor. Appeals may be made to the county board of review. Inequities in Assessments It is difficult without a supervisor of assessments to see that assessed values are equalized among the townships within the county. The Sangamon county assessor is making an effort to obtain some uniformity. The board of review, which was given more specific powers to equalize among townships by the Illinois legislature In 1957, has attempted to equalize two townships. To equalize assessments among counties, the state de- partment of revenue determines a county "multiplier". To give an example of how this works: If the department feels that one county Is assessing its property at only one-third of the amount it should be assessed, a multiplier of three Is applied to that county. Let us assume that Mr. X and Mr. Y live In different townships In the county. The house of Mr. X Is assessed at $10,000. Mr. Y's house, which has the same market value. Is assessed at $6,000. The state then applies Its multiplier of three, making Mr. X's assessed valuation now $30,000 and Mr. Y's $18,000. The spread between them is increased, and Mr. X pays an unfair share of the property tax. However, the board of review has authority to clear up such inequities before the county multiplier Is applied. Your Tax Bill Your real estate tax is payable in two equal Installments, June I and September I. Your total personal property tax is payable on June 1. One per cent of your bill per month Is charged for delinquency. You may pay real estate tax In full on June I , If you wish. How is your bill computed? Each taxing body has its own tax rate limit for each fund. But the rate needed to produce a tax levy Is determined by dividing the tax levy (the amount of money needed from the general property tax) by the assessed valuation of all the taxable property within the jurisdiction of the taxing body. This rate Is then scaled down by the county clerk If It is higher than the applicable statutory rate limit. Thus, the city has one total tax rate, the county another, the school district still another, and so on. Each of these varying tax rates Is multiplied by one one- hundredth of your assessed valuation. That Is the amount of taxes. In dollars and cents, which you pay to that particular unit of government. The sum of these amounts becomes your total property tax bill. 10 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY The size of your tax bill therefore depends upon the assessed valuation of your property and upon the kinds and number of governmental services you help support. You may live within a township and a school district; or you may live within a township, a city or village, an airport authority, a recreational district, and more. These lines overlap and cross one another as shown on the map on pages 22-23. Fiscal Definitions Assessed Valuation. The value put on a given piece of prop- erty for tax purposes is usually less than the true market value. (In Capital township, assessed value, after equal- ization, is currently about 55 per cent of true market value.) Tax Levy. The amount of money a governmental unit needs from the general property tax, obtained after all other income has been deducted from the total amount needed. Tax Rate. The tax levy divided by the assessed valuation of all the property within the taxing boundaries of the unit of government. i ^^ SANGAMON COUNTY In Illinois the county has no corporate status but is legally a subdivision of the state, acting as administrative agent for the state in such functions as law enforcement, record keeping, highway maintenance, property assessment, and tax collection. Even in its management of what are primarily local affairs, such as schools, public welfare and safety, election machinery, and public buildings, the county is limited to those powers granted by the Illinois state constitution and statutes. Responsibility for the conduct of county government is diffuse. While the board of supervisors is the governing body in Sangamon county, it has no jurisdiction over the many independently elected officers, who are responsible not to the board but to the people. The board's only measure of control over these officials is exercised through its authority over appropriations. Sangamon County Board of Supervisors The Sangamon county board of supervisors is composed of 47 supervisors and assistant supervisors representing the county's 27 townships. Townships having a population of 4,000 or more elect assistant supervisors, the exact number depending upon the population of the township. Seventeen members of the present board are from Capital township. Springfield and Woodside townships each have three mem- bers, and all other townships have only one. The board elects one of its members to serve as chairman. While there are no statutory qualifications for the office, township supervisors and assistant supervisors must, by prec- edent, be citizens of the United States, at least 21 years of age, and residents of the state of Illinois and of the town- ship from which they are elected. Vacancies are filled by the township board of auditors, acting as township boards of appointments. Board members are elected for four-year terms, half of them in each general election in the odd-numbered years. In Capital township, candidates are chosen in party caucus. In all other townships, candidates are selected by party vote in the primary. The board of supervisors is responsible for the adoption of county ordinances. It has the power to levy taxes within statutory limitations, make appropriations, and authorize bond issues. It controls county property and passes upon claims against the county. It appoints the mine inspector and the highway superintendent as well as members of the regional planning commission, and it has authority over the county's functional and administrative officers, who must submit quarterly reports to it. To facilitate its work, the board has set up the following standing committees: courthouse and grounds; dance hall and tavern; finance; garbage ordinance; jail and jail ac- counts; judiciary, court, magistrate, and jury lists; printing; public health and elections; planning, zoning, and mines; public welfare; road and bridge; veterans assistance com- mission, claims and bonds; legislative and executive. Each committee has four members except for the garbage ordi- nance and legislative and executive committees, which have three. The members of each committee are appointed or reappointed every year. The board of supervisors is required by statute to have two meetings a year, but in practice It usually meets five times a year. This extension is accomplished by simply recessing, rather than adjourning, regular meetings. Com- mittees meet weekly, as a rule, and some convene more often. Meetings of the whole board and of committees are open, and minutes are available to the public In the office of the county clerk. Resolutions to be brought before the board are also open to public Inspection in the clerk's office for ten days prior to board meetings. Board members receive no salary but are compensated for attendance at board and committee meetings. Those elected prior to, or in, 1957 receive $10 for each meeting attended, while those elected in 1959 receive $12. Legisla- tion now permits compensation of $15 to members elected in 1961 or thereafter. Members also receive a travel allow- ance amounting to 7I/2C a mile for those elected in 1957. All others receive lOc a mile. After 1961 all will receive the latter amount. Although the statute under which Sangamon county operates contains no authority for a formal merit system with legal enforcement provisions, progress in this direction has been made. The findings of a job survey by a private consulting firm were used as a guide in setting up qualifica- tions and a scale of wage increases for personnel in county offices effective December 1, 1959. Public Welfare Illinois has two distinct welfare programs: public as- sistance and general assistance. The latter In Sangamon county Is administered through the various townships. (See chapter on township government.) Public assistance (also known as categorical aid) consists of old age, blind, and disability assistance, and aid to dependent children. It receives both state and federal funds and is administered through the Sangamon county department of public aid. The county board of supervisors has no authority over this department nor does it contribute funds to it. The board does, however, have a public welfare committee which super- vises the Sangamon county detention home, hires personnel for this institution, and approves lists of boarding and foster homes for wards of the Sangamon county family court. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 13 Care of such children is paid for by both state and county; the maximum allowance for this care is $70 per month per child, $35 each from the county and the state. The com- mittee also approves the budgets of the probation officer and the county judge. Highways The highways in Sangamon county are under the Juris- diction of five different authorities: state, county, township, city, and pleasure driveway (parks). Of these only the county highway department is the responsibility of the Sangamon county board of supervisors. The county highway superintendent is appointed by the board for a six-year term at a salary of $10,800. He must pass an examination given by the state highway department and usually is a registered engineer, hlis assistant, who is the administrative officer for plats and surveys and acts as the county surveyor, must also pass a professional examina- tion. The Sangamon county highway department is responsi- ble for maintaining some 250 miles of highways. It makes land and traffic surveys and makes estimates, takes bids, and supervises construction of new highways. It also trims the grass along highways under Its jurisdiction and sprays weed- killer. All county highway expenditures are from current rev- enue. There are no bond issues to finance county highway work. The chief sources of road funds are the property tax and the motor fuel tax. The latter is collected by the state and distributed to local governments. The amount received by the county is based upon the amount in auto license fees collected within it. Regional Planning Commission The Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission was organized in March, !957, superseding the Area Planning Commission appointed in 1956 by the chairman of the Board of Supervisors. The Commission was directed by the Board of Supervisors to prepare a regional plan Including recommendations for land use, circulation, general location of public works, urban renewal and other such problems, and developments relevant to regional planning. The Commission has no authority to enforce its judgments, but serves as an adviser to the various county and city agencies contributing to Its budget and requesting Its services. It operates jointly with the Springfield Plan Commission, and the two are served by one technical staff. The commission consists of eight citizens appointed by the chairman of the board of supervisors. These members serve without compensation for terms of four years, and their appointments are staggered so that two terms expire each year. Ex officio members are the chairman of the board of supervisors, the county superintendent of highways, the county treasurer, the mayor of Springfield, the Springfield city engineer and one representative from each of the fol- lowing: airport authority, park board, sanitary district, school board of district 1 86. The five members of the executive board of the Springfield plan commission serve also In an ex officio capacity, and the chairman of any city or village plan commission which may be formed in the future may be included on the commission. The commission also appoints non-voting associate members; nine such persons are serving at present. The technical staff consists of a director, who receives $10,000 per year and who must have a degree In planning and five years experience in city planning in order to qualify; four regular staff members appointed by the di- rector; various part-time employees; and two members of the faculty of the University of Illinois who serve two days a month as consultants. In 1958-59, the regional planning commission was fi- nanced through a federal planning assistance grant of $43,500 matched by an equal amount in combined contribu- tions from Sangamon county, the city of Springfield, the school board, park board, airport authority, and sanitary district. There Is pending an application for an additional two-year federal urban planning grant, and, if approved, these funds would have to be matched by an equal amount from the combined units of local government Involved. The commission has completed an economic base and potential study of Springfield and Sangamon county. Aerial photographs and accurate base maps have been prepared, and basic data have been gathered on land use, traffic circulation, schools, and recreation. "Land use and circula- tion" and "community facility" plans have been developed for the urbanized Springfield area, and a regional land use plan has been prepared. Adoption of this plan must be voted upon by the board of supervisors. Elected Officials The voters of Sangamon county elect eight Independent officials, exclusive of the judiciary. They are the county clerk, treasurer, auditor, recorder, superintendent of schools, cor- oner, sheriff, and state's attorney. With the exception of the superintendent of schools (see chapter on education) and the state's attorney, there are no qualifications for hold- ers of these offices. All eight serve four-year terms. The auditor, recorder, coroner, and state's attorney are elected in the November election In even-numbered years divisible by four (the same year in which the president of the United States Is chosen). The other county officers are elected In the alternate even- numbered years. All take office on the first Monday in De- cember following election, except the county superintendent of schools, whose term begins in August following election. Vacancies in all the eight offices are filled by appoint- ment of the county board until the next election, with the exception of the county clerk and the state's attorney. In case the unexpired term of these two officials is greater than one year, a special election must be held, but if the unexpired term is less than one year, the vacancy is filled by board appointment. J V - > i 'A^~ H ^"il ITF^^TfWT If f f f f f f f f ;^ilii»^,4«&ii«*I. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 15 Compensation for these officers, with the exception of the superintendent of schools and the state's attorney, is set by the county board of supervisors within the limits OT $9,000-$ 1 0,000, as prescribed by 1959 statutes for counties in the population range of 100,000-150,000. A salary may not be raised or decreased during a term of office. All elected officials are bonded. Regarding the county offices in which fees are collected (those of the county clerk, circuit clerk, probate clerk, treas- urer, sheriff, coroner, recorder), the Illinois constitution states that the expenses of the office may not exceed the amount collected in fees, and that moneys in excess of this com- pensation shall be paid into the county treasury. A further constitutional requirement is that any officer who is paid in whole or in part by fees shall make a semiannual report of such fees and emoluments under oath. County officers make this report to the board of supervisors. COUNTY CLERK The county clerk is an important administrative officer whose duties are many and varied. He acts as clerk of the county board of supervisors, recording the minutes of its proceedings, issuing its warrants, and keeping a record of moneys drawn on the general fund. He keeps records of all notaries public, justices of the peace, and constables in the county; issues marriage licenses; and records births and deaths. He serves as clerk of the county court and keeps its docket. He lists the approximately 65,000 parcels of real estate to be assessed and prepares the tax books for the use of assessors. After the assessments have been certified by the board of review, he extends the taxes and makes up the col- lectors' books. The county clerk also serves as assessor of Capital township (through permissive legislation explained further in the chapter on township government). The clerk is ex officio the registration officer of the county, having full charge and control of the registration of voters, and he takes custody of the ballots and issues cer- tificates of election to the successful candidates. The clerk receives a salary of $9,000 a year. Six members of his staff are deputy county clerks, and one is deputy court clerk. The clerk and his deputies are covered by a blanket bond. TREASURER The duties of the county treasurer are to have custody of county funds and to pay those county bills which have been authorized by the county board. The treasurer plays an important part in the tax process. In a township county such as Sangamon, which has no ap- pointed county assessor, the treasurer is ex officio the supervisor of assessments. He sets up the organization for the assessment of all real and personal property. He may call a school of instruction for assessors to assure uniformity of assessments, and he also has the authority to change any error In assessments. The county treasurer Is the county collector of taxes levied. The various township tax collectors return their tax books to him and make final settlement with him, on or before the first day of September, for the taxes they have collected. After this procedure has been followed, the county treasurer prepares the delinquent tax list, which is subsequently pub- lished In the newspapers. He or his deputy must attend all tax sales and offer for sale each tract of land on which interest or costs have not been paid. The Sangamon county treasurer serves also as township collector of Capital township, which means that he makes the initial collection from individual taxpayers in that town- ship. (Explained further In the chapter on township govern- ment.) His salary Is $9,000. The Illinois constitution provides that he may not be reelected until he has been out of office for one term. AUDITOR The county auditor Is required by law to audit all claims against the county and recommend to the county board payment or rejection of all bills presented to the county. In addition he must compile an analysis and keep a record of all expenses incurred in maintaining county institutions (such as the jail), approve all orders for supplies entered into by the board or county officers, and make a quarterly report to the county board of all money due the county. The auditor also maintains a day by day record of expenditures, encumbrances, and balances in individual county funds. In Sangamon county the auditor also prepares a monthly report for county officers showing the current balance in each account, and compiles a detailed annual report to the board of supervisors which covers all money handled in county offices. This annual report is published, and copies are available to the public at the auditor's office. At present, there is no post-audit of this report. While not required by law to do so, some county offices do have audits made by Independent firms, but the board of supervisors must approve such an audit and authorize the use of funds for this purpose. In Sangamon county the auditor has assumed additional duties at the request of the county board: he assists the board's finance committee in preparing the county budget and determining the tax levy to be used, and he keeps those records required for Sangamon county employees who participate in the Illinois municipal retirement fund and the social security system. The auditor's salary is $9,000. He has one deputy. RECORDER The county recorder is charged with the responsibility of recording military discharges, deeds, and mortgages (auto, real estate, chattels) and issuing releases v/hen payments have been completed. These Instruments are now being microfilmed by a private company as they are received. This company does this work for the county at cost. 16 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY The recorder also prepares for the county clerk and treasurer a list of the real estate instruments filed each month. Documents on file in his office are open to inspection, and anyone may make copies of abstracts and memoranda without fee or reward. The Sangamon County Abstract Company and Lincoln Land Title and Abstract Company both have clerks In this office, not on the recorder's payroll but with access to the books. Fees are collected by the recorder's office for the service of recording and indexing various papers, with the schedule of fees set by statute. The recorder's salary is $9,000 per year. He is required by law to be bonded for $20,000. He has one chief deputy and four deputies, for whom he is liable. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS The exact duties of the county superintendent of schools are numerous and will be discussed in detail in the chapter on education. In general he is the superintendent of all local school officials in the county and serves as the state's agent in distributing state funds, as provided by statute, to local schools. He must also audit the books kept by the school treasurers in the county and hold teachers' examina- tions and teachers' institutes. In Sangamon county the superintendent of schools appoints an assistant superintendent, whose salary is paid from state funds. The assistant superintendent acts as truant officer in the county, has charge of transportation, and also performs other duties assigned to him by the superintendent. The superintendent's yearly salary of $15,000 is also paid by the state of Illinois. If he did not serve as a county superintendent of schools in Illinois prior to July I, 1953, he must have the following qualifications: good character, a Master's degree, including a minimum of 20 hours in edu- cation, a valid supervisory certificate, at least four years of teaching experience, and teaching or supervisory experience In Illinois public schools at some time during the two years preceding his election. COUNTY BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES The voters of Sangamon county who reside outside the limits of special school district 186 (see chapter on education) also elect a county board of school trustees. This body is composed of seven members elected on a nonpartisan ballot at the general election every even-numbered year. They serve staggered six-year terms without compensation. The president of the board Is elected by the trustees themselves, for a term of two years. The county superintendent of schools Is ex officio secretary of the board. The trustees hold title to all school properties and are responsible for any changes in the boundaries of school districts within Sanga- mon county (with the exception of the special charter dis- trict). CORONER The county coroner is charged with the responsibility of investigating a wide range of deaths, broadly classified as deaths from violence, casualty, or undue means and deaths without medical attendance. In cases where the circum- stances surrounding a death are suspicious, obscure, or mysterious, and where, In the opinion of the examining physician and the coroner, the cause of death cannot be established except by autopsy, the law requires the coroner to order an autopsy performed. In cases of suspected or apparent suicide, homicide, or accident, the coroner is re- quired to summon a jury of six persons and conduct an inquest. If the coroner deems it advisable, he holds an Inquest in other cases. The results of his investigations of causes of death may protect the innocent, help convict the guilty, and contribute materially to statistics on causes of death. The law requires the coroner to recommend to the advisory board of necropsy service to coroners of the Illinois department of public health the appointment of at least one physician, if possible a pathologist, to conduct medical examinations and necropsies for him. Upon approval of the board, the coroner's physician Is officially appointed by the director of the Illinois department of public health. In Sangamon county, four pathologists have been duly ap- pointed to perform this function as needed. A coroner's physician is required to make a written report of each medical examination or necropsy to both his coroner and the Illinois department of public health. The coroner has access to the laboratory of the bureau of criminal identifica- tion and investigation of the state department of public safety, and certain facilities of the laboratories of the Illinois department of public health. It Is expected that In I960, toxicological laboratories will also become available in the state public health department, as a result of legislation by the 71st General Assembly (1959-60). The coroner is also a peace officer of the county. As such, he has the same powers as the sheriff, and he carries out the duties of that office when the sheriff Is an Interested party In a case or when the office is vacant. In Sangamon county, the coroner's secretary and his photographer are deputized to perform any and all of the coroner's duties In his name. The coroner draws a salary of $9,000. SHERIFF The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law within the county and supervising traffic safety on county roads. In Sangamon county he also administers a rabies program. The sheriff acts as custodian of the county courthouse and jail, and is responsible for the prisoners and for their transportation when necessary. The sheriff must attend all court sessions (this duty may be performed by a deputy) and serve court orders, processes, and decrees. The Sangamon county sheriff has 18 deputies, the num- ber being limited by the circuit court, and they are all bonded. The sheriff's salary Is $9,000, and he is provided with a house adjoining the county jail. According to the Illinois constitution, sheriffs cannot succeed themselves in office. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 17 STATE'S AHORNEY The state's attorney in Sangamon county is the chief prosecuting officer, instituting and prosecuting all actions, civil and criminal, in which the people of the state or county may be concerned, in any court of record in the county. He serves also as the legal adviser to the board of super- visors and to county officers. He must defend the county if suit is filed against It, and In Sangamon county, since it harbors the state capital, he has a unique role because state crimes also fall under his jurisdiction. The state's attorney receives monthly reports from justices of the peace, listing all fines and penalties imposed, and he collects all such fines and pays them Into the state's attorney's fund of the county treasury. The office employs three full-time lawyers and one oart- tlme lawyer as assistant state's attorneys. The salary of the state's attorney is $13,500, with $2,200 of this amount paid by the state. TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT Sangamon county has the township form of government. Its 27 townships are subdivisions of the county; they are political units, organized for local government in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements. The organized township is a corporate entity with power to sue and be sued; to hold, buy, and sell property, both real and personal; to levy and collect taxes; to borrow money; and to perform certain other governmental functions, chief of which are care of the indigent and construction and main- tenance of roads and bridges. Townships also have power to establish and maintain cemeteries, libraries, parks, water- works, and public nonsectarian hospitals. Capital township differs from all other townships in the county and will be discussed separately. Townships Other Than Capital Township affairs are administered by elected township officers. Each attends to his own functions and cooperates with the others when necessary. They usually meet twice monthly to discuss township affairs and to audit bills. They are nominated by party caucus and are elected for four- year terms on the first Tuesday in April. The highway com- missioners and half the number of supervisors and assistant supervisors are elected every fourth year from 1955. The other supervisors, assistant supervisors, and remaining of- ficers are elected every fourth year from 1957. Terms of office begin the first Monday in May following election, except those of assessor and collector, which begin the fol- lowing January. Regular salaries are not usually paid township officers, and compensation for regular and special services is computed on a per diem, percentage, or fee basis, or by a combination of these methods, according to the population of the township. To be specific, the supervisor and all other members of the town board are paid on a per diem basis. The road commissioner is paid a certain amount for each working day. The township collector is paid on a percentage basis with a fixed limit set by statute. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS Supervisor. The supervisor is treasurer of township funds, ex officio supervisor of general assistance, and a member of the county board. As overseer of general assistance, he dis- penses relief for those in need from the township relief fund. (It is interesting to note that although this is one of the principal duties of the supervisor, he Is ordinarily not a person trained in social or welfare work.) Anyone wishing relief for payment of hospital or doctor bills, or assistance when out of work, must make formal application to him, and it Is the supervisor who decides whether or not he is eligible. As d matter of fact, it is the supervisor who establishes policy for administration of the relief fund. Assistant Supervisors. Elected In townships having a population of over 4,000, the number of assistant supervisors elected depends upon the population. (For example. Wood- side has a supervisor and two assistants.) These assistants have no powers or duties as township officials but do sit and vote with the supervisors on the county board. Township Clerk. The clerk has custody of all records, books, and papers of the township and keeps the record of all meetings. He is authorized to administer oaths taken by the township officers. He is also responsible for the conduct of township elections and calls the annual town meeting. Township Assessor. The assessor determines the valua- tion of property for taxation purposes. He is technically under the supervision of the county treasurer but in practice is quite Independent in the making of assessments. Township Collector. This officer serves as collector of taxes for a limited period twice a year. Although the assessor and collector are township officials, the assessment of prop- erty and collection of taxes are county, not township, func- tions. Only counties having a population of 100,000 or more may have township collectors. Road Commissioner. The principal sources of funds for road maintenance and construction are the general property tax and the motor fuel tax. The motor fuel tax Is collected by the state and shared with local governments. For a town- ship to be eligible for a share of the motor fuel tax. It must have a planned road program and must levy a tax at the rate of not less than .08 per cent (8c per $100 valuation) of the full fair cash value as equalized by the department of revenue. It then receives an amount In proportion to its road mileage. The road commissioner has the authority to lay out, alter, widen, construct, and maintain roads and bridges and to fix the township tax rate for these purposes. Where incorporated areas are involved, taxes received for the road and bridge fund are divided in this manner: one half of such tax spread over the assessed valuation of an incorporated area goes to the incorporated municipality, and the other half goes to the township. Township Auditors. State legislation of 1959 made cer- tain changes In the town board of auditors: justices of the peace were eliminated as members of the board, so that the board is now composed of the supervisor, the township clerk, and three auditors elected at large. This five-member board constitutes the town board of auditors or board of auditors, which is required to meet at least semiannually, but in practice meets more frequently. Members in attendance receive a fee not to exceed $ 1 for each board meeting. The town board of auditors has the authority to examine and audit all charges against the township and to examine LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS thd accounts of the supervisor, the supervisor of general assistance, and highway commissioner for all moneys handled by them. This same board, acting as the township board of appointment, is authorized to fill vacancies in all township offices. TOWN MEETING The annual town meeting takes place on the first Tues- day in April. All citizens of the township are invited, but comparatively few attend. A copy of the budget for the year, showing the amount budgeted for the various funds, is available at the town office. Notices are posted in public places or published in a newspaper prior to the meeting, and all citizens have a chance to approve the budget at the annual town meeting. This is the chance for citizens to voice their approval or disapproval of township management. The meeting is presided over by the township clerk. This annual meeting is not to be confused with the semimonthly r-eetings of the township board. FINANCING THE TOWNSHIP The taxing process in the township begins at the time the township officers make up their annual budget. The amounts of levies cover the relief fund, the general fund, the road and bridge fund, and any other special funds in individual townships, such as the special road and bridge fund in Woodside township. These levies are filed with the county clerk, who then adds other levies applicable to the taxpayers of the various taxing districts (e.g., fire districts, schools, sanitary districts, airport authority). These levies are then reapportioned into districts and after a final total is reached, they are extended by the county clerk according to assessed valuation and rate limits. The board of review, in an effort to equalize taxes in the county, has certified a multiplier to be used in Woodside and Springfield townships. The township collector then takes the books for his township from the county treasurer and mails real and personal prop- erty tax bills. All taxes not collected before September I are turned over to the county treasurer for collection, and the township collector no longer receives any payment for the collection thereof. Capital Township Capital township was organized in 1877 as a township coextensive with the city of Springfield. Those parts of the city which were at the time In Springfield or Woodside town- ship were disconnected from such townships to form the new Capital township. Later, as territory v/as annexed to the city, the county board in turn annexed It to Capital town- ship. The governing statute now provides that whenever the city annexes territory, it automatically becomes part of Capital township. The city and Capital township are thus kept coterminous. Two Illinois statutes allow consolidation of official duties when a township is coextensive with the city, or lies wholly within It (although In the latter case It may not be cotermin- ous with the city). In 1911 Springfield citizens voted to adopt the statute which allows consolidation of township and county duties when a township lies "wholly within any city". Under this statute most township powers are given to the county board; the county clerk is ex officio town clerk and township assessor; the county treasurer is ex officio collector and supervisor of Capital township; and the office of high- way commissioner is abolished. This act has been adopted only by Capital township and the eight townships in the city of Chicago; the duties of the county officers affected are thus very different from those in surrounding counties. The statute under which Capital township was organized, and which governs a township that is coextensive with a city, provides that the city council of such a city may combine certain township offices with corresponding city offices. In 1959 the Springfield city council passed an ordinance uniting the offices of city treasurer and town collector, thus allowing the city treasurer, rather than the county treasurer, to collect the property taxes of Capital township. The validity of the ordinance making this change is now being tested in court. With such a consolidation the city would avoid payment of the present 2 per cent collection fee to the county treasurer for collection of the city's share of tax moneys and would be in a position to charge a I per cent collection fee on the taxes collected for other governing units on Capital township property. The county treasurer is the county collector of taxes levied. The various township collectors return their tax books and make final settlement with him for the taxes they have collected on or before the first day of September. Since the county treasurer of Sangamon county has also been serving as township collector of Capital township, he makes the initial collection from individual taxpayers In the township. CITY OF SPRINGFIELD The city of Springfield encompasses an area of 21.36 square miles and, according to the I960 census, has a popu- lation of 83,001. Chartered in 1879, the city derives its authority from enabling state legislation; it has jurisdiction only within the city limits. The powers of the municipality relate to public health, fire and police protection, and care of municipal properties. Illinois cities may operate under the mayor-council (aldermanic), council-manager, or commission form of gov- ernment. Springfield has the latter form, adopted in 1911 during a period when many cities became commission- governed. Under the commission plan, executive, administrative, and legislative powers are vested in a mayor and four commissioners, who constitute the city council. Boards and commissions may be appointed for various purposes, if estab- lished by ordinance or referendum, and special services may be provided when approved by the voters. Many such authorities exist, and. In addition, special purpose districts operate within the city and/or metropolitan area. City Council The mayor and four commissioners are elected on a nonpartisan basis by the voters of the entire city every four years from 1959. Candidates must be qualified electors of the municipality and must have resided In Springfield for at least one year immediately preceding the election. No person is eligible for office if a defaulter to the city or if convicted of crime in Illinois courts. A primary is held in February, provided that there are more than two candidates for each office. Each voter makes his choice of one candidate for mayor and four for commis- sioners. The two receiving the largest number of votes for mayor become the candidates for mayor at the general election in April, and the eight receiving the largest num- ber of votes for commissioner become the candidates for commissioner. Commissioners are not elected to head spe- cific departments; In the past, however, candidates have campaigned for particular offices. The salary of the mayor Is $10,000 per year; commis- sioners receive $9,500. The mayor receives a travel allow- ance, and other commissioners, except the commissioner of accounts and finances, receive a car and automobile expense. The council exercises its legislative powers through pas- sage of ordinances. The council, as a whole, appoints the city clerk, city treasurer, city purchasing agent, and city engineer. Administrative duties are distributed among five departments — public affairs, accounts and finances, public health and safety, streets and public improvements, and public property — with the mayor in charge of public affairs and one commissioner in charge of each other department. Department assignments are made by majority vote of the council after election. The mayor and commissioners automatically form the board of local improvements, which plans and considers such Improvements as construction and repair of pavements and curbs or widening and paving of streets and alleys. For this extra duty each official receives an additional $ 1 ,200 per year. The council meets each Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. In open session, which may be attended by any citizen or Interested person. The order of business is as follows: 1. Call to order 2. Roll call 3. Approval of minutes of previous meeting 4. Opening and reading of bids 5. Report of Commissioner of Accounts and Finances as to payment of bills 6. Unfinished business 7. New business 8. Adjournment RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS The Mayor is presiding officer of the council. He has a vote but no veto. He is commissioner of public affairs, charged with all functions not assigned to other depart- ments. The executive staff and police department are under his supervision. He originates, for council approval, appoint- ments to various boards. The mayor appoints the attorneys who compose the legal department. They are salaried but work only part time for the city. The corporation counsel heads the de- partment, serves as adviser to the mayor and commissioners, and drafts city ordinances and contracts to which the city is party. The assistant corporation counsel handles legal matters In connection with the municipally owned utilities. The city attorney is responsible for prosecution and defense In court of civil actions to which the city is a party and for representing the city's Interests before boards and commissions. The assistant city attorneys are chiefly re- sponsible for prosecution of the violation of city ordinances before courts having jurisdiction to try such offenses. The Commissioner of Accounts and Finances Is vice- president of the council and performs the duties of the mayor in event of his absence or of a vacancy in the office of mayor. The department of accounts and finances supervises all financial transactions of the city. It inspects records and reports, examines all bills and claims, issues vouchers and checks, procures reports and collects fees, reports to council of failure to pay moneys and examines the records of public utilities; it also confers with other departments on the prepa- LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 21 ration of their proposed budgets and subnnlts an appropria- tion ordinance to the council for each fiscal year. The department of public property has its own account- ing department and makes separate audits and separate monthly reports. However, it makes all deposits through the city treasurer and processes all vouchers and checks for its expenses through the department of accounts and finances. Subordinate agencies of the department of accounts and finances include those of the city clerk, city treasurer, city comptroller, the parking meter department, and the license collection department. The city purchasing agent operates through the department of accounts and finances, issuing purchase orders for everything the city buys. "State law requires competitive bidding on every order which ex- ceeds $1,500. The Commissioner of Public Health and Safety is respon- sible for a department which includes the following divisions: Fire Department and Bureau of Fire Prevention (See Service Departments of the City.) Health Department (See Service Departments of the Ci+y.) Department of Vital Statistics Restaurant Inspection Department Milk Sanitation Department Building Inspection Department Electrical Inspection Department Plumbing Inspection Department Warm Air Heating Inspection Department Weights and Measures Department The building inspection department employs six inspect- ors to see that the national building code is enforced and to administer the Springfield housing ordinance. This ordinance, adopted in 1959, establishes minimum health and safety standards governing facilities, maintenance, and occupancy of existing housing. The department of weights and measures annually in- spects all weights and measures used in sales; a fee Is charged for this service. The Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements is charged with the supervision of the department of streets and public improvements and the garbage department. He takes charge of such public work as the cleaning and sprin- kling of streets and public places, the construction and recon- struction of all street Improvements, sidewalks, sewers, bridges, and viaducts. (See Service Departments of the City.) His department is responsible for backfilling of holes made for the connection of water, gas, or sewer service. A forestry program initiated by this department includes removing dead trees on city property, planting healthy young trees and treating diseased trees. Subordinate agencies include the engineering depart- ment, the garbage department, street cleaning or main- tenance and sprinkling department, backfill department, sewer department, forestry program, special assessments department, and sewer improvement program. The commissioner also has control and supervision of all dumping grounds and dumps. The Commissioner of Public Property Is responsible for operation of the city's municipal electric and water utilities; for maintenance of Lake Springfield, the city's source of water supply; and for maintenance of City Hall building and other city-owned buildings which have not been speci- fically assigned to some other department. The department of public property employs an average of 375 people on a full-time basis, and, exclusive of part of the commissioner's salary, the department's administrative units are supported by water and light revenues and not from tax levy. Among these administrative units are the following: office of commissioner of public property; director of utilities; general accounting; departmental purchasing unit; cashiers' unit; consumer contracts unit; customers' rela- tion unit; new business unit; publicity and advertising; legal counsel; superintendent of real estate; lake patrol; lake nursery; power plant, electric department; filter plant, water department; lake area maintenance; lake beaches; water distribution system; electric distribution system; central garage and supply. Although revenues used to support the above units are maintained In a separate fund, as required by state statute, the city council approves the budgeting of these funds. The city water, light and power department furnishes the city with water for fire protection and street cleaning; installs and maintains fire hydrants, of which there are now 1,891; and furnishes electrical current for the city street lighting system comprising 2,205 street lights. SERVICE DEPARTMENTS OF THE CITY City Water, Light and Power Department. The water department and the electric department constitute a semi- autonomous water, light, and power enterprise. It operates a coal-burning electric power plant with a total generating capacity of I 13,000 KW and a firm capacity of 80,000 KW. This power plant, located at Lake Springfield, services over 23,000 families. According to the Federal Power Commis- sion, the department's rate for electric service is the lowest In the state of Illinois and among the lowest in the United States. Two hundred ninety miles of mains carry purified, soft water from Lake Springfield to 30,000 utility customers in Springfield and Sangamon county. Lake Springfield has a full storage capacity of 21.4 billion gallons of water and could provide a population of 300,000 people with 68 mil- lion gallons of filtered water daily. The lake was constructed in 1930 to insure an adequate supply of water for Springfield and thirteen surrounding small towns and to cool the generating equipment at the power plant. A bond issue was passed to finance the con- struction. The lake property is 72 miles in circumference and covers an area of 9,000 acres. Under normal conditions, T^- « I w '\ "X ^r-«0 X u S AuftURM 2 3urr*i.o Q CMATnAU [3 DrwCRNOH S C*^''' S'Ot an -»■■ @ '3LAM0 CROVC FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS [^ yCCHAriiC3BuKG nffl p»w»ee: [3 ^VtAiANT PLAINS SI "OCfClTCK CT soutnlawn ya -ut-r; @ SOUTH OAK KMOUJOu -uivr} g3 SOUTH SlOC Jt« -•■•-5 12 vtaocN gg i«A»«NCrON PaXK.CAHOCI^ H WOOOSIOC T#iP HjTo^iKI k-.-l d- £ D '-J k 1 s rst .^^ 1 AIRPORT DISTRICT SANITART DISTfllGTS PARK DISTRICTS A 3PRlNCFiet.&Ou - C 0. Department of Rei'cinue Property Tax DUitinn 24 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY one-half of the area Is flooded and the other half is marginal land which has been developed into a residential and recrea- tional area under city supervision. Fire Departnnent. Protection of life and property against fires is provided by the fire department with seven fire houses under control of the fire chief. Appointed by the commissioner of public health and safety, the present fire chief was selected by the firemen. A first assistant fire chief and six assistant chiefs, as well as firehouse personnel (captains, engineers, pipemen, one mechanic, and round- the-clock switchboard operators), are hired from civil service lists based on examination. The city has contracts to give fire protection to eight fire protection districts outside the city. A fire prevention bureau promotes fire drills In schools and Inspects schools, nursing homes, and other public buildings. The fire depart- ment is part of the department of public health and safety. Garbage Collection Department. A division of the department of streets and public improvements, the garbage collection department collects and disposes of rubbish and garbage from all residential properties, but does not collect refuse from commercial establishments In the downtown area. A special tax is levied for this purpose. Although taxation has been at the maximum level allowed by state legislation, the cost of providing this service has regularly exceeded the funds provided. The garbage collection tax will be eliminated in 1961, and residents will pay a quarterly service charge, if they wish the city to pick up refuse. Health Department. Under the jurisdiction of the de- partment of public health and safety, the health department is administered by a part-time medical superintendent of health, and employs one dairy Inspector, four nurses, one bacteriologist, and three health inspectors. Services of the department include birth calls; "well baby conferences"; communicable disease control; dairy, restaurant, and meat Inspection; and Investigation of general sanitation complaints due to nuisances such as garbage, weeds, or rats. Inspectors enforce standards of sanitation set up by the superintendent of health. The department Is responsible for enforcement of Springfield's grade A milk ordinance. The health departments vital statistics unit records births, deaths, and statistics on communicable diseases and Issues burial permits. Police Department. The police department is under the direct control of the mayor. As of July, 1960, the department staff consisted of 96 police officers, including the chief and his assistant, and 18 civilians. There are no policewomen on the force, but there Is a matron at the city jail, since this depart- ment also houses all female prisoners, whether under county, city, or federal jurisdiction. The department also employs 12 school crossing guards who work at street crossings near school buildings at school arrival and dismissal times. These crossing guards — 10 women and 2 men — are trained and paid by the police department. During June of I960, 6 "meter maids" were added to the traffic division to check parking meters and place tickets on cars In violation, thus freeing male police officers for more strenuous police jobs. Meter maids and crossing guards have no police power. To become a policeman, an applicant is required by civil service regulation to have been a resident of Spring- field for one year, to be between the ages of 21 and 35 at the time of examination, to be an American citizen, and to meet the requirements set forth in a schedule of height- weight relationship. Candidates must pass written and oral examinations, as well as a character examination, which Is made of each man before appointment to the force. Police recruits receive training through a 40-hour-week In-service training school; some recruits are also sent to the University of Illinois police school. There Is also some on-the- job training of all employees In the form of informal staff meetings and participation in in-service training schools held in cooperation with the F.B.I, at least every two years in Springfield. The police retirement plan is financed from city tax moneys and from payroll deductions of 7 per cent of each officer's pay. Employees must have served 20 years in the department and be at least 50 years old to be eligible for pension. Retirement pensions amount to 50 per cent of the salary earned during the twelve months' period previous to the actual retirement. For each additional year served after the minimum 20 required for retirement, pensioners are paid an additional I per cent of the last twelve months' salary up to 60 per cent maximum. Compulsory retirement age Is 63. The divisions of the department are as follows: detective bureau, juvenile division, identification division, traffic di- vision, and record bureau. Eighteen squad cars, equipped with two-way radios, patrol the city day and night in their assigned districts. The police department also maintains one radar car and one combination accident and radar car for use In the traffic division. Springfield has one police station, located at 617 East Jefferson street. The police department utilizes the services of the F.B.I. In setting up police training schools and de- tective work. The state bureau of criminal identification performs lie detector tests for the city and makes identifica- tion of fingerprints and photographs. Street Department and Sewer Department. The city engineer (appointed by the city council) and his staff, who are a part of the department of streets and public Improve- ments, are responsible for the construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of streets, sewers, sidewalks, and other street structures and for the planning and placing of street lights. Springfield has 241 miles of streets, 136 of which are paved. The street maintenance program Is financed by the motor fuel tax fund, the public benefit fund, and the street fund. The building of new streets is financed through special assessment tax to the abutting owners and through the motor fuel tax fund. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 25 Sewer construction and maintenance are financed by receipts from a sewer service charge, which Is familiar to consumers as an Item on monthly bills from the city water, light and power department. Ten per cent of the amount received is budgeted for sewer maintenance. The balance Is used for repayment of $5,600,000 In sewer revenue bonds issued In 1956. At the time of the bond issue an agreement was made with the sanitary district defining responsibility for sewer construction in the city. Traffic Engineering Department. Established in 1955, this department Is under the jurisdiction of the mayor's office. A professional traffic engineer and staff are charged with studying and working out better ways of moving traffic more quickly. Financing the City The cost of operating the Springfield city government is currently about $5,000,000 a year. This revenue Is derived from several sources: about 2.'5 is received from the prop- erty tax, I 6 from the sales tax, and smaller amounts from the gasoline tax, parking meter fees, traffic violation fines, building permits, and other fees and licenses. The city also spends variable amounts each year for capital improvements; capital expenditures are presently about 6 million dollars a year. An additional 6 million dollars Is received by the city for water and electric services, and receipts support all activities of those departments. The city council makes all appropriations for the city government. The "appropriations ordinance," or budget, is prepared on a fiscal year basis, beginning on March 1 of each year. State statutes set maximum rates for taxes for the various city functions. Taxes levied by the city council must be held and spent for those functions. Classified as "general funds" are: corporate, judgment and interest, street and bridge, garbage, and public benefit. Funds for specific pur- poses are: playground and recreation, library, municipal band, fire protection, fire hose and apparatus, gas tax, municipal retirement, firemen's pension, policemen's pension, and Oak Ridge cemetery. Budgeting must be done within the framework of these funds. Administrative Boards and Commissions CITY ELECTION COMMISSION Although the election commission Is not under the jurisdiction of the city council, the council does appropriate a large share of the money used by the commission. Mem- bers of the commission are appointed by the county judge, and their salaries are paid by the county. CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY The mayor is the executive director of civil defense for the city and county. The director and an assistant are appointed by the mayor and the county board of supervisors. The director is paid $335 a month and Is furnished an auto- mobile and an office in the police station. A chairman and four members compose an advisory committee, who serve without pay. The agency cooperates with local, state, and federal units of government in "preventing, minimizing, re- pairing and alleviating Injury or damage resulting from dis- aster caused by enemy attack, sabotage, or other hostile action, or from natural disaster." Funds are supplied by the city and county, and the federal government matches the cost of materials and equipment used. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION The civil service commission is composed of three ap- pointees who serve for overlapping three-year terms. Over 90 per cent of the approximately 900 persons employed by the city of Springfield are civil service employees. City positions are classified according to duties and responsibili- ties. Salary ranges are set for each classification. Com- petitive examinations for the various classifications are held, and names of those passing are placed In order of examina- tion rank on eligible lists, from which vacancies are filled. Employees who are discharged or suspended for more than 30 days are entitled to a hearing before the civil service commission In order to determine whether the reasons for discharge or suspension are justified. Records are kept of personnel transactions, and the commission certifies payrolls as to legality of employment. ELECTRICAL COMMISSION The electrical commission consists of five members ap- pointed by the mayor, with advice and consent of the council, as follows: chief electrical inspector of the city, chairman; an electrical contractor; a journeyman electrician; a member from the Illinois inspection bureau; and a repre- sentative of an electrical supply company. The commission Issues certificates of registration to electrical contractors after examination, and hears appeals of electrical wiring condemnation. FIREMEN'S PENSION BOARD AND POLICE PENSION BOARD These boards handle the Investment and disbursement of the pension funds of policemen and firemen. HOUSING AUTHORITY The Springfield housing authority is composed of five commissioners appointed by the mayor with the approval of the state housing board. Each member Is appointed for five years, one retiring and one joining the authority each year. This agency operates the John Hay Homes at I 320 Reynolds, with 599 units of low cost housing which accommodate ap- proximately 2,100 persons. Rentals start at $27 a month (for a renter with an income of $1,440 a year) and are graded on up according to annual net Income after certain allowable exemptions. Maximum family income for continued occupancy ranges from $4,125 to $4,620 per year, depend- 26 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY ing on size of family. The housing authority annually con- tributes to the city an amount equal to 5 per cent of the net shelter rent collected. The housing authority is also responsible for carrying out the city's urban renewal program under a plan set up by the Springfield plan commission. Fifteen and one-half acres of blighted area, bounded by Eleventh and Fifteenth and Madison and Jefferson streets, have been acquired, cleared, and will be redeveloped. LINCOLN LIBRARY BOARD The board of Lincoln library is composed of nine mem- bers appointed by the mayor for staggered terms of three years. All serve without pay. The board is, for all practical purposes, an Independent governing body, except that an- nual appropriations are approved by the city council. No funds levied for library purposes can be used by, or trans- ferred to, any other department of the city government. Thirty-seven employees serve almost 28,000 library card- holders; 192,000 books are available in the main library and 3 branches, 17 city schools, and 2 hospitals, and 7 fire sta- tions. Lincoln library's circulation Is the largest In Illinois, outside Chicago. The Lincoln library, located in Its present building at 326 South Seventh street since 1904, was named by Andrew Carnegie in honor of Springfield's greatest citizen. LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION The mayor is liquor control commissioner of the city. He appoints three deputy commissioners with the approval of the council. Deputy commissioners receive $75 per month and serve at the pleasure of the mayor. Members must be residents of Springfield and own real estate within the city. All applications for liquor licenses are referred by the city clerk to the liquor commission for consideration and ap- proval. One hundred seventy-four licenses are presently in force, and no new licenses are being Issued; a license may be purchased, however, from a licensee who is willing to relinquish his, provided that the transfer Is approved by the commission. MUNICIPAL BAND COMMISSION Established In 1936 by ordinance pursuant to referen- dum, the Springfield municipal band plays for parades, public park concerts, and civic and public celebrations. Affairs of the band are administered by a five-member com- mission appointed by the mayor with the approval of the council. The members elect their own chairman, and all receive nominal salaries. The band is composed of professional musicians who belong to the musicians' union. It has a director, a librarian, a business manager, and a secretary. OAK RIDGE CEMETERY BOARD Oak Ridge cemetery was founded by ordinance In accordance with state legislation in the year 1858. The cemetery covers approximately 300 acres, of which 12 are forever set aside as grounds for the tomb of Abraham Lincoln. Affairs of the cemetery are in the hands of a five- member board of managers. Members of the board are appointed by the mayor and serve for staggered terms of three years. The board elects from its own membership a president and a secretary; the latter is paid $50 a month. A managing director Is appointed by the board, with ap- proval of the mayor; he is salaried and given the use of a residence on the cemetery grounds. The managing director is responsible for upkeep and operation In accordance with policies set by the board. The cemetery Is required by state law to be self- supporting; financial matters are in the care of the board of managers. PLAN COMMISSION In July, 1955, the Greater Springfield Plan Commission was created by ordinance. On April 25, 1957, the commis- sion was reorganized, renamed the Springfield Plan Com- mission, and given specific duties and functions as provided by state enabling legislation and ordinance. The commis- sion is composed of nine citizens appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council. Terms are for four years, and members serve without pay. The mayor and each elected city commissioner serve as ex officio members dur- ing their terms of office. The commission is mainly responsible for developing an official city plan and for advising the city council on planning policies and related matters affecting future development of the city and metropolitan area. The city plan commission and the Sangamon county regional planning commission meet jointly and are served by one technical staff. The city and regional commissions are financed by city appropriation, county funds, federal funds, and contributions from the special purpose districts. In addition to its regular functions, the commission has initiated studies of the downtown area financed by con- tributions of city businessmen. PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION COMMISSION The city playground and recreation department is gov- erned by a commission of five members, one appointed by the mayor each year for a term of five years. Members serve without pay. The commission employs a superintendent who must have a B.S. degree in physical education and 'or recrea- tion. His salary range is $7,200 to $7,850 a year. Nine full- time employees and approximately 95 part-time specialists In various activities assist the superintendent In promoting recreational opportunities for the entire community. The playground and recreation department, in co- operation with schools, clubs, and other agencies, operates a year-round program which includes 14 summer playgrounds; 3 night youth centers; Lincoln Greens Golf Course; baseball LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 27 and Softball leagues; basketball leagues; special classes in tennis, golf, handicraft, and physical fitness; and the John hlay hlomes year-round center. Offices of the commission are located at Lanphier park. A citizens' group has worked to promote merger of the city playground and recreation department and the park district In order to obtain a wider tax base for ail functions and to eliminate dual administration. PUBLIC BUILDING COMMISSION This commission consists of 1 I members appointed as follows: six by the city council, one by the county, one- by the sanitary district, one by the school board, one by the airport authority, and one by the park district. Members serve without pay. The purpose of the commission is to build and rent space for governmental bodies; this group will be responsible for the maintenance of the new Municipal Building. ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Springfield zoning ordinance of 1924 provided for a zoning board of appeals organized in accordance with state statute. The board consists of seven members ap- pointed by the mayor for staggered terms of five years. A chairman is designated by the mayor. The mayor may remove any member of the board for cause and after public hearing. Members are compensated for each case heard at rates set by the city council. The board presently meets on the third Thursday of each month, and meetings are open to the public. The board is self-supporting, since fees are charged for filing of petitions and appeals. The principal function of the board is to hold public hearings and make recommendations to the city council on proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance. The board has the power to grant or deny a "use variance," I.e., to vary the application of the zoning ordinance in cases where there are practical difficulties or particular hardships In the way of carrying out the strict letter of any of the regulations in the code relating to the use, construction, or alteration of buildings or structures, or the use of land. The board may review decisions or determinations made by the building Inspector in enforcing the ordinance. Advisory Boards and Commissions CITY YOUTH COMMISSION Eleven members, and an executive director, all of whom serve without compensation at the pleasure of the mayor, compose the youth commission. Formed to study the prob- lem of juvenile delinquency and to promote recreation and occupation for the youth of the city, the commission works with the Illinois youth commission and the juvenile officer of the county court. HISTORICAL MONUMENTS COMMISSION Marking of routes leading to, and maintenance of proper surroundings for, the historical monuments of Spring- field are the responsibilities of the historical monuments com- mission. Seven members are appointed by the mayor for specific terms. Members serve without compensation. A budget is provided by the city for maintenance, installation, and upkeep of markers. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION The human relations commission is composed of 15 persons, including the chairman, who are appointed by the mayor and serve without pay at his pleasure. The commission functions in the field involving relationships of ethnic and religious groups, and works to promote harmony and a spirit of brotherhood among all of the people of the community. POLICE ADVISORY BOARD The police advisory board is composed of five citizens, appointed by the mayor to serve for staggered terms of three years or at the pleasure of the mayor. Empowered to make recommendations concerning the operation, organiza- tion, supervision, and control of the police department, members also serve as advisers to the mayor and the chief of police. Members serve without compensation. The first action of the board, formed in June of I960, was to recom- mend appointment of a new police chief. UTlLiri' ADVISORY BOARD Under an ordinance of December, 1959, the commis- sioner of public property serves as chairman and ex-offlcio member of the utility advisory board, and appoints four members to serve for staggered terms of five years. The board makes recommendations to the department of public property concerning the operation, control, and management of the city water, light and power department. Members of the commission serve without pay and may not hold other city office or be employed by any private corporation operat- ing as a public utility. OTHERS From time to time the mayor appoints committees to consider and advise on specific problems or situations which arise. Currently such committees Include the 20-member mayor's committee on urban renewal, the mayor's committee on annexation, and the mayor's civic auditorium committee. COURTS OF SANGAMON COUNTY Circuit Court The major trial courts in downstate Illinois are the circuit courts. Sangamon county, along with five other counties, is included in the seventh circuit. The boundary of the circuit and the terms of the court held in each county are set by the state legislature. The circuit court sits at the courthouse in each county. The state constitution provides only that circuit courts shall have original jurisdiction over all cases in law and equity and such appellate jurisdiction as is or may be provided by law. However, both in the constitution and by statute, juris- diction in some civil and criminal cases has been delegated to lower courts. Divorce cases make up the largest number of cases heard in the circuit court. Probably 10 per cent of the non- divorce cases involve criminal charges. In addition the court hears the following civil cases: habeas corpus, injunctions, mandamus, annulments, separate maintenance, breach of contract, personal injury and property damage, garnishment, failure to satisfy court judgments, and appeals from rulings of administrative agencies such as the Illinois commerce commission or the secretary of state in license revocations. The number of appeals cases heard in the Sangamon county circuit court is very small — probably four or five a term — because all appeals from justice of the peace courts and county courts are trials de novo; that is, the cases are com- pletely retried. Four circuit judges are elected for six-year terms in June of every sixth year from 1957. Judges must be 25 years of age, must be United States citizens, must have lived in the state five years next preceding the election, and must be residents of the circuit in which they are elected. They are not required to be attorneys, although all those on the seventh circuit are. Once in office, they are forbidden to engage in other work. Candidates for circuit court judgeships are nominated at a special political party con- vention, by delegates chosen in county convention. They may be nominated by more than one party; and independent candidates, nominated by petition, may also run for the office. Vacancies are filled by election, except when the unexpired term is less than one year, when it is filled by appointment of the governor. Circuit court judges receive a salary of $16,000, paid by the state of Illinois. Other expenses of the court, such as payment to jurors, are paid by the county in which the expense is incurred. CIRCUIT COURT CLERK In Sangamon county, all lawsuits to be heard In the circuit court must be filed in the office of the clerk of the circuit court. This official has the further duties of attending all circuit court sessions, swearing In all persons involved in court actions, and recording the proceedings and decisions of the court, hie also prepares the docket of cases pending before the circuit court. In addition, he Is the keeper of the official court seal and is the agent in the transaction of such moneys as alimony and attorney fees. The circuit court clerk Is elected in the November elec- tion In even-numbered years divisible by four. His term Is four years, and his salary of $9,000 Is paid by the county board of supervisors. Fees paid to this office for recording suits are determined by the county board, and are used to defray court costs. Any remaining money is turned over to the county auditor to be placed in the county's general fund, as is true of all other fee offices. PUBLIC DEFENDER The circuit court judge appoints a public defender to defend persons who cannot afford legal counsel. The de- fender serves for a two-year term, during which time he is assigned cases as his services are required. He receives $3,800 a year. MASTER IN CHANCERY The office of master In chancery Is an adjunct of the circuit court. A master is appointed by the court for each county in the circuit. The master in chancery hears cases assigned to him by the court and then reports his findings, conclusions of law and fact, to the court, which may then accept his report in whole or in part or reject it entirely. In general the cases referred to him deal with complicated accounting matters — tax and real estate cases and the like. The master is appointed to a two-year term by the circuit judge, but he may be removed at any time for good cause. He is paid by fees collected by his office, but the fees that can be charged for each type of function are set by statute. The master must make a quarterly report of all moneys received and paid out by court order or decree. His office space is provided by the county. County Court Each Illinois county has a county court, which has juris- diction over civil cases involving an amount not greater than $2,000, over persons in need of mental treatment not charged with crimes, and over cases falling under the juvenile court act (see below). In criminal matters the court has jurisdiction only over cases for which the punishment is neither death nor imprisonment in the state penitentiary. The court does not employ jurors unless one of the parties in a case requests them. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 29 In Sangamon county the county judge devotes the largest part of his tjnae to cases which would be heard in family court or juvenile court if the county had such a court. He is in charge of adoptions, assigns juvenile delinquents to the Illinois youth commission, and supervises the Sangamon county detention home for juveniles. The home is main- tained by funds received from a special tax levy. The county judge has many duties which are only quasi- judicial in nature. He receives petitions and presides over the hearings thereon. Moreover, he has extensive ap- pointive powers. In Sangamon county, the county judge makes appointments to the board of review, which hears tax complaints from citizens; to the board of election com- missioners of the city of Springfield; to the sanitary district; and to the airport authority. Candidates for the office of county judge are chosen in the primary and elected in November of even-numbered years not divisible by four. He must be at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Illinois for the five years next preceding his election, and a resident of the county in which he is elected. He is not required to be an attorney. In Sangamon county his salary is $13,500, of which the state pays $1,200, and the county the remainder. If a vacancy occurs, a special election is held, unless the unexpired term is less than one year, in which case the post is filled by appointment of the governor. The county clerk serves as clerk of the county court a-^d keeps its docket. Probate Court Sangamon county, havi.Tg a population larger than 125,000, is required by law to have a probate court. It is the duty of the probate court to determine whether a will is true and valid. It settles litigation over claims made against estates and administers the statute of descent — the law regarding the distribution of estates of persons who die without leaving a will. Will contests, however, are settled in the circuit court. The probate court may also appoint conservators for the estates of the incompetent, the spendthrift, and the senile. To safeguard the estates of minors, the court appoints guardians, who must report a'! expenditures of the estate moneys to the court. There are no formal qualifications for the office of probate judge. His manner of election and his salary are the same as for the county judge. Vacancies are filled as they are in the county court. The duties of the clerk of the probate court are to record the wills of deceased persons who resided in Sanga- mon county, inform beneficiaries of their inheritances, advise administrators of estates of the judge's decisions, and keep records of all proceedings of the probate court. The pro- bate clerk Is an elected official, whose term is concurrent with that of the probate judge. His salary, $9,000, Is set by the county board of supervisors. There are no formal qualifications for the office. If a vacancy occurs, there is a special election, unless the unexpired term is less than one year, when the post is filled by appointment of the probate judge. Justices of the Peace and Constables Justices of the peace have jurisdiction over civil cases in the county when the amount In question is not over $1 ,000, and in criminal cases when the misdemeanor Is punishable by not more than $500 fine or one year in jail. They also have authority to conduct preliminary examinations In crim- inal cases and to commit accused persons to jail to await grand jury action. Constables serve writs and processes for the justices of the peace. Either party In a trial before a justice of the peace may demand a jury of not less than 6 or more than 12 persons. The party demanding a jury in civil cases must pay the fees. Appeals in both civil and criminal cases may be taken to either the county or circuit court, according to the desire of the party appealing. At present there are about 50 justices and an equal number of constables in Sangamon county; they are town- ship officers, and are paid from the fees of their offices. Present officers will complete their terms, but future justices will be elected in accordance with new state legislation. By state law enacted in 1959, the county board of super- visors has divided the county into four justice districts. In each district one justice and one constable will be elected every four years beginning In November, 1961. Justices will be nominated by party caucus. Future justices will be county officers and will receive a salary of $7,500 a year from the county. Expenses of $150 a month will be reimbursed by the county. All fines, forfeitures, and penalties collected will be reported annually to the county clerk and paid to the county treasurer for deposit in the states attorney's fund of the county. Police Magistrate The police magistrate has the same jurisdiction as the justices of the peace, but he Is restricted to matters within the city of Springfield. He is elected at the same time as other city officials, and his salary is $7,500. State's Attorney The state's attorney In Sangamon county is the chief prosecuting officer, instituting and prosecuting all actions, civil and criminal, in which the people of the state or county may be concerned, in any court of record in the county. He serves also as the legal adviser to the board of super- visors and to the county officers. He must defend the county if suit is filed against it, and in Sangamon county, since it harbors the state capital, he has a unique role because state crimes also fall under his jurisdiction. The office employs three full-time and one part-time lawyer as assistant state's attorneys. The salary of the state's attorney is presently $13,500 with $2,200 of this amount paid by the state. He is elected in November of years 30 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY divisible by four. In case of vacancy a special election is held, unless the unexpired term is less than one year, in which case the county board of supervisors appoints a successor. Probation Officers Both the circuit and county courts appoint probation officers, who serve at the pleasure of the court. The officer of the circuit court supervises adults, and the officer of the county court supervises juveniles. It is their duty to investi- gate the probationer and report their findings to the court and to receive reports from the persons under their care. Probation officers must be persons of good character, over 25 years of age. If policemen, they receive no extra pay. If appointed by the circuit court, all the counties in the circuit contribute to their salaries. The officer of the county court is paid by the county board of supervisors. Juries There are two types of juries, grand and petit. The grand jury hears evidence presented by the state's attorney. With few exceptions persons cannot be charged with criminal acts unless the grand jury has determined that the evidence warrants an Indictment. The grand jury may also Investigate the possible misconduct of any public official. The grand jury is summoned by a judge at the request of the state's attorney and sits through a term of court. It consists of 23 members, who receive $5.00 a day and lOc per mile in travel expense for each day they serve. At least 12 members of the jury must concur If an Indictment is signed. The list from which grand jurors is selected is composed of 10 per cent of the qualified voters in Sangamon county and is made up by the board of supervisors. If official census figures for I960 confirm the preliminary report that Sanga- mon county has passed the 140,000 population requirement, a jury commission could be set up to handle selection of jurors. Establishment of such a commission would be by decision of the board of supervisors, who would also deter- mine the salaries of the three commissioners who would be appointed by the judges of the several courts of record in the county. The petit jury hears cases prosecuted in court. It con- sists of 12 members who receive the same compensation and who are chosen In the same manner as grand jurors. The decision of the petit jury must be unanimous for conviction or acquittal; otherwise a mistrial is declared. —1 'jj cc as CS. _^ o «=» — _J jC — o :3 a'l^pmg -s: CO EDUCATION Public Schools COUNTY Sangamon county has 15 school districts with a total enrollment in 1959-60 of 24,395 pupils. The county's 69 attendance centers employ 1,040 teachers. One of the 15 school districts — district 186, which includes the city of Springfield — will be discussed separately because it operates under a special charter and provides some services which are peculiar to it alone. State statutes provide for the election in every county of a county superintendent of schools and a county board of school trustees. The superintendent is elected for a four- year term at the general election in November. His salary depends on the population of the county; in Sangamon county he receives $15,000 per year. The seven members of the board of school trustees, elected in the April primary election, serve staggered terms of six years. The county superintendent of schools acts as agent of the state in the distribution of state school funds, hie in- spects, supervises, and advises local schools; examines at least yearly all books and accounts of every school treasurer in his county; holds teachers' examinations and teachers' institutes under the supervision of the state superintendent of public instruction. He also checks the qualifications of all teachers and registers their certificates. A seven-member board of education is elected in every district of the county, with the exception of Bissell and Oak Hill, which have a three-member board of directors. Their terms of three years are staggered. In 14 of the county's districts, the elections are on the second Saturday of April; in district 186 the election is at the regular April primary. Members of the boards of education may appoint a super- intendent of schools. Financing. The public schools of Sangamon county are financed primarily by local taxes, with lesser amounts from state and federal funds, tuition, and book rental fees. The local tax is extended through different funds — educational, building, retirement, and working cash. Money is not legally transferable from one fund to another. At present the maximum tax rate authorized by the voters for both the educational fund and the building fund is being collected. A referendum is required to increase the rate. Since Illinois schools are permitted to open as soon as they are authorized, even before the tax is levied, most of them are operated through deficit financing. The limit of bonded indebtedness is 5 per cent of the total assessed valuation of real property. Transportation. All pupils who live a mile and a half or more from school (with the exception of those attending Bissell and Oak Hill) are transported to school by bus. A tax is levied to cover part of this expense. School Lunch Program. All schools offer hot lunches to pupils. Through government subsidy the cost to pupils is kept low. All regular lunches are planned to give pupils well-balanced, nourishing meals. Teachers. All teachers must be certificated by the state department of public instruction. Health Service. Limited health service is provided. (The physical examination required by law is the responsibility of the individual student. See section on special charter district 186.) Special Services. Home teaching is available to those children who are bedfast. A limited number of special cases are admitted to the special classes of district 1 86. SPECIAL CHARTER DISTRICT 186 Before Illinois had a public school law, any community wanting to establish public schools went directly to the state legislature for authorization to do so. The plans they pre- sented were usually accepted without change, and a charter incorporating those plans was granted by the legislature. As a result of this procedure the school districts so chartered have widely varying rules and regulations. The Springfield school system operates under the privileges and restrictions of one of these special charters, granted by the legislature in 1854. Over the past century, Springfield's school district. Number 186, has increased in size until it comprises a far larger territory than the city of Springfield. It is a single unit district covering about 61.75 square miles. Included in the district are all of Capital township; Springfield town- ship, except the portion north of the Sangamon river; and parts of Clear Lake, Woodside, Curran and Gardner town- ships. The area encompasses the city of Springfield and the suburbs of Jerome, Leiand Grove, Southern View, and Southlawn. Classes are conducted in 37 buildings, where almost 18,000 students are housed. New construction has added 150 classrooms to the system since 1954. The public schools of district 186 are the immediate concern of a seven-member board of education and an administrative staff which includes a superintendent; an assistant superintendent of instruction; an assistant super- intendent for building and grounds; directors of special services, personnel, finance, cafeterias, and attendance; di- rectors of vocational education, handicapped; and coordi- nators of athletics and physical education, tests and meas- ures, and reading and music. Board members are elected for staggered three-year terms: two, one year; two, the next; and three, the third. Members serve without pay. They must be citizens of the LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 33 United States, 21 years of age or over, and residents of the district for at least one year Immediately preceding election. The board elects one of its number as president to serve for one year. A person who is not a member is secretary to the board. All regular or called meetings are open to the public. The school board appoints the superintendent of schools, who is a professional administrator directly responsible to the board of education. District 186 has the following schools, housed in thirty- eight separate buildings: Elementary — Jane Addams, Bunn, Butler, Dodds-Bkck- hawk, Douglas, Dubois, Enos, Falrview, Harvard Park, Hay Edwards, Hazel Dell-Laketown, lies, Lawrence, Lincoln, Matheny, McClernand, Palmer, Piper, Pleasant Hill, Ridgely. Sand Hill, Southern View, Staley, Stuart, Vachel Lindsay, Wanless, West Grand, and Withrow. Junior High — Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, U. S. Grant, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Senior High — Feitshans, Lanphier, and Springfield. Personnel. A total of 1 ,096 persons staffs the schools of district 186; this total Includes administrators, principals, teachers, clerks, janitors, and maintenance crews. Teachers. All teachers employed by district 186 must be certificated and have a college degree. (Consolidation of districts brought In a few teachers without degrees who are on tenure.) The same salary schedule applies to both elementary and secondary school teachers. Retirement. All personnel must retire at age 65. Pension payments are based on length of service and salary. Special Services. District 1 86 provides the following special services for its pupils: Transportation. The physically handicapped are trans- ported without charge to a special training center. The administrator in charge of student transportation works with the Springfield Transportation Company to arrange schedules for junior high pupils. Junior high pupils pay cost of trans- portation. Free transportation is provided for elementary pupils who must attend school In a different building because of overcrowded conditions In their own neighborhoods. Health. School nurses make regular visits to both public and private schools. Pupils' vision, hearing, and teeth are checked periodically. Individual records are kept. Accord- ing to Illinois school law, children In every district must have a physical examination before or at the time of entering kindergarten or first grade and every four years thereafter. Special Education. Classes are provided for children with special needs: those with vision, hearing, cardiac, and speech defects; the educable mentally handicapped; and those with low vitality or other physical handicaps. Instruc- tion for bedfast students Is available under certain circum- stances. On an experimental basis, classes for the gifted child are in operation. School Lunch Program. All junior and senior high schools and some grade schools offer hot lunches to students. Private Schools PAROCHIAL On the elementary level alone, the parochial schools In Springfield have an enrollment of approximately 37 per cent of the total enrollment in the elementary schools in the county. The county's parochial schools are: Lutheran — Trinity Lutheran Grade School, Immanuel Lutheran Grade School, Concordia Lutheran Parish School, Concordia Theological Seminary — all in Springfield; St. John's Lutheran Grade School, in New Berlin. Roman Catholic — St. Agnes, Cathe- dral, Blessed Sacrament, St. Joseph's, St. Aloyslus, St. Cabrlnl, Little Flower, St. Patrick's, Sacred Heart, St. Peter and Paul's, Christ the King, St. Francis Convent, Griffin High School, Sacred Heart Academy, St. James Trade School, Ursuline Academy, Springfield Junior College — all In Springfield. Sacred Heart of Mary, in New Berlin. Others — West Side Christian Day School (elementary, kindergarten through 6th grade), Springfield. Seventh Day Adventist School, Springfield. SPECIAL SCHOOLS Little Red School House — specifically set up for train- able mentally handicapped children. Entrance is by psy- chological testing and approval of an admissions committee. Cerebral Palsy School — a school to give academic in- struction and develop social adjustments. Hope School for the Blind. Mme. Guerin's School for the Mentally Retarded. SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICTS In addition to the well-known units of government de- scribed in the foregoing chapters, certain offshoots from the regular structure of government exist in the form of special districts and authorities created to provide some particular service. These special purpose districts have all the attributes of a government: they are organized entitles with governing officers and a high degree of fiscal and ad- ministrative independence. They have enjoyed unusual po(iu- larity in Illinois; the approximately 1,800 such districts throughout the state place it in the lead among the states in total number of independent local governments. More than 900 of these units have power to levy property taxes; the remainder are financed through special assessments or some other arrangement. Six different kinds of special pur- pose districts found In Sangamon county are described in this chapter. Springfield Airport Authority PURPOSE The Springfield airport authority was voted Into being by the people of this community in 1945. It owns Capital airport, located on North Walnut street road, and has Its offices there. Capital township, and the urban areas of Springfield and Woodslde townships, comprise the airport authority district. The airport authority has the responsibility of providing for the aviation needs of the community in regard to airport location, planning, construction, expansion, development, management, and policy. The state legislature has delegated powers to it In regard to financing, safety, zoning, and air space control within its boundaries. The citizens of Springfield take justifiable pride In their airport, which boasts the longest civilian jet runway in Illinois other than O'Hare field of Chicago, which is inter-continental. Valued at $8,000,000, the airport combines beauty with e*''clency In operations. HOW IT IS GOVERNED ! ,16 Doard OT five commissioners serve five-year over- lapping terms. Three commissioners are appointed by the mayor, and they must reside in the city of Springfield. The other two are appointed by the county judge, and one must reside outside the city limits. The board hires a secretary, treasurer, and airport manager who has a s+aff of 13 clerical and maintenance workers. FINANCES When the airport authority was created by the voters, it was empowered to float general obligation bonds of limited amounts. This was done In 1945, 1948, and 1958. A small percen+age o^ the real estate tax ($.0639 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation) went to the airport authority from the tax extended in 1959. Although federal and state aid was needed to expand the airport, revenue from airlines and other agencies, and from the farming of areas not subject to surface control, is now paying substantially all of the operational cost of the airport In addition to paying for improvements for private aviation. Fire Protection Districts PURPOSE Legislation enacted by the General Assembly of Illinois authorizes the creation of fire protection districts whose purpose is to prevent and control fire within the districts. A fire protection district Is established by petition to the county court of the required number of voters within the limits of a proposed district. After a hearing the county judge orders an election on the question. Twenty-three fire protection districts exist in Sangamon county at this time; another is in process of formation. While the statute con- templates the maintenance of fire-fighting equipment by the district, districts may join with each other or with mu- nicipalities in the joint ownership of such equipment, or may secure fire protection services through contract. For ex- ample, the districts surrounding Springfield have contracted with the city for services of the Springfield fire department; this Is the only arrangement of this kind In Sangamon county. These districts levy the maximum tax and pay it to the city under the terms of annual contracts. HOW THEY ARE GOVERNED The governing body of each fire protection district consists of three trustees appointed by the county judge for overlapping three-year terms, no more than one of whom shall be from any one municipality in the district. The board elects from Its members a president and a secretary and ap- points a treasurer either from Its members or otherwise. Members receive a nominal sum each year. For all districts in Sangamon county, the board may appoint and fix the compensation of a fire chief and firemen who hold office at the pleasure of the board. Ordinances of the board take effect after publication. FINANCES The board of trustees may levy a tax for its corporate purposes. The tax rate for districts created after December 31, 1951, Is lOc per $100 of assessed valuation; for those districts created prior to such date, the rate is determined by section I 62b of the general revenue law; In many instances (for those districts created prior to January I, 1946) the rate Is scaled lower than lOc. After Its Incorporation, the 36 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY district may, subject to a favorable referendum, Increase the tax rate to not to exceed 25c per $100 of equalized assessed valuation. General obligation bonds up to, but not to exceed, 5 per cent of the valuation may be issued by the district if the voters approve. The revenue derived from the tax levied by the trustees can be spent only for fire pro- tection purposes. Pleasure Driveway and Park District of Springfield PURPOSE The pleasure driveway and park district of Springfield was established by vote of the people in the area in 1900. Its purpose was to lay out and build pleasure driveways, build and maintain recreational centers, and staff other park facilities. When the city of Springfield created its play- ground and recreation commission in 1921, the recreational program on park district property became the responsibility of that commission, although the district continued to pro- vide and maintain the facilities. The over-all area of the park district is 48 square miles; Springfield, Capital, and the north one-third of Woodside townships are Included. Thus, it reaches beyond the city limits to include much of the metropolitan area. The district contains 983.9 acres of parks, of which 924.8 were acquired by purchase. The 14 separate park sites, three of which are in excess of 100 acres, include two nine-hole golf courses and one eighteen-hole golf course. All but three of the parks contain picnic areas. Other facilities Include one swimming pool, 22 tennis courts, 24 ball diamonds, I I play- grounds, and designated areas for numerous other activities. A greenhouse is maintained, as are three lagoons for ice skating in wintertime and several areas which are available for sledding. HOW IT IS GOVERNED The park district is governed by an elected president and six elected trustees, serving overlapping four-year terms without salary. The board appoints an attorney, a treasurer, and a director of parks, who also serves as secretary and whose responsibility is to execute the policies and manage the general affairs. Of the 67 employees. 22 are employed full time. FINANCES The park district operates on an annual budget of about $23 1 ,000. Approximately 75 per cent of this comes from property taxes; the remaining 25 per cent is derived from golf fees, swimming, concessions, and similar revenue. The full legal tax limit of 5.82c for every $100 of equalized as- sessed valuation is being levied by the park district. No increase in revenues can be realized without increasing the tax rate by a vote of the people. The total per capita ex- penditure for parks and recreational purposes in both the city and park district is $2.21; the national average is $4.20, and a recognized standard of park and planning authorities is $6.00. Springfield Sanitary District PURPOSE The Springfield sanitary district was created in 1924 under authority of an act of the state legislature known as the sanitary district act of 1917, after petition and vote of the people In Springfield and the surrounding area. Its purpose is to protect the streams and rivers in the vicinity from pollution and to provide sewage facilities for areas outside the city limits of Springfield. The approximately 38 square miles of the district Include all of Capital township and parts of the townships of Woodside, Springfield, and Clear Lake. The city of Springfield covers about one-third of the area. Taxpayers of this area benefit from an Innovation developed here for the first time In the world: using sewage gas to supplement electricity in providing power to operate the plant. The offices are located at the sewage treatment plant one-fourth mile north of the fairgrounds; additional offices for the convenience of the public will be located in the new Municipal Building. Landscaping of the district property has made the sewage treatment works park-like in appearance, adding to the beauty of the area. HOW IT IS GOVERNED A board of three trustees is appointed by the county judge for overlapping three-year terms; at least one must reside outside the city of Springfield. They elect from their members a president and a clerk, and employ a district manager, district engineer, attorney, and a staff of about 20 employees. Ordinances passed by the board take effect after publication. The state sanitary water board exercises supervision over the technical operations of all sewage treatment plants in the state. FINANCES The annual budget for the fiscal year beginning May I, 1959, anticipates an appropriation from general fund taxes for the fiscal year of $267,500, Including $195,000 for operating and maintenance expenses, $20,000 for payments to the Illinois municipal retirement fund for employee pen- sions, and $50,000 for the public benefit special assessment fund. These funds were all derived from property taxes at the rate of $.0739 for each $100 of equalized assessed valuation from property taxes extended in 1959. On April 10, 1956, a bond Issue was passed by the people residing in the district in the amount of $3,200,000 for the extension of present sewers, the construction of new storm overflow sewers and including $1,000,000 for improve- ments and additions to the existing sewage treatment plant. Although this bond issue was for general obligation bonds (this type of bond Issue offering more favorable interest rates and hence a savings to taxpayers), which the district Is em- LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 37 powered to repay by levying a property tax, the repayment method Is, in fact, from current revenues directly related to sewer use. A sewer service charge is collected from all users of the sewers and based on the amount of water used. Soil Conservation District PURPOSE The Sangamon county soil conversation district was organized in March, 1959. Petitions were submitted by landowners to the state department of agriculture, and after a hearing by that department to determine the need, an election was held. The district coordinates all soil conserva- tion work in the county, drawing upon technical assistance from governmental agencies when desired. All of Sangamon county except its metropolitan areas is included. Offices of the district are located at 134 North Ninth street in Springfield. HOW IT IS GOVERNED The district is governed by five elected directors, all of whom must own or occupy land lying within the district. They elect one member as chairman and employ technical assistants. At present the staff consists of a soil conserva- tionist and his assistant. FINANCES The district levies no taxes. Revenues are derived from contributions from landowners based on benefits rendered by the district. In addition, the statute relating to counties (chap. 34, sec. 24.2 I , Illinois Revised Statutes 1959) authorizes county boards to appropriate an am.ount not exceeding $5,000 per annum for the use of county soil and crop im- provement associations. Drainage Districts PURPOSE Drainage districts are created to furnish an outlet for the drains of land lying within a watershed; they provide for the construction, maintenance, and repair of drainage facili- ties for agricultural purposes. At least two drainage dis- tricts exist in Sangamon county: Booth drainage district was established in 1959 and is located In the township of Lanes- ville; Union drainage district No. I was organized under an older statute but was reorganized In 1958 under the Illinois drainage code of 1955. Portions of llliopolls and Lanesvllle townships are Included In the district. HOW THEY ARE GOVERNED Various provisions for the election or appointment of commissions are listed in the drainage code, the exact method depending largely upon the original statute under which the district was created. The commissioners employ an attorney and an engineer; the actual construction and maintenance work Is usually performed under contract. FINANCES Revenue to carry on the purposes of the district is obtained by special assessments based on benefits received; the districts do not levy a property tax. ELECTIONS AND VOTING INFORMATION In a democracy the government is run by the people who live under it. In Illinois the people rule indirectly through the election of representatives (except for the annual town- ship meetings) to carry out the business of government. This expression is made through exercising the right to vote. By his vote the citizen chooses his representatives to law- making bodies, officers to administer and enforce the laws, and judges. By his vote the citizen expresses his Judgment on matters of public policy or proposed constitutional amendments. IF HE DOES NOT VOTE, A CITIZEN FAILS TO PLAY THE PART THAT DEMOCRACY HAS ASSIGNED TO HIM. In order to vote in any election — local, state or national — a citizen must comply with the election laws of the state in which he lives. In Illinois the county is the governmental unit primarily responsible for the administration of the elec- tion laws: the general election law, under which Sangamon county operates (the county clerk being the election au- thority) and the city election law, under which the city of Springfield operates (the county judge is the election au- thority). The entire electoral process, from the registration of the voter to recording and announcing the results of the election, is the responsibility of these election authorities. Voting Procedures WHO MAY VOTE Any United States citizen who is at least 21 years old (or will be on election day), and has resided in his voting precinct 30 days, in the county 90 days, and in the state one year, may vote IF HE IS PROPERLY REGISTERED. REGISTRATION Any resident who is qualified to vote may register. He must appear in person before the proper authority at any time of the year except 28 days before and 2 days after an election and answer under oath certain questions regarding his birth, age, and residence. His signature is the means by which an Illinois voter identifies himself on election day. Residents of Sangamon county living outside of Springfield register with the county election office at the county court- house, and residents of Springfield register at the office of the election commission in City Hall. (Certain exceptions in the registration requirements are made for members of the armed forces, their spouses, dependents, and for gov- ernment employees serving abroad.) HOW TO VOTE Upon entering a polling place: 1. Give your name and address to the judge. 2. Sign the application for the ballot. 3. Be sure the ballot is properly initialed by the judge. 4. Enter the voting booth alone. 5. Stay no more than 10 minutes in the booth, or 5 minutes if someone is waiting. 6. Fold the marked ballot so that marks do not show, but the judge's initials do. 7. When more than one ballot is to be voted, each ballot must be folded separately. 8. Hand your ballot to the judge and watch him deposit it in the ballot box. STATE LEGISLATURE OF ILLINOIS Springfield \ Operates J> Under ) City election law County ^ Judge ' Appoints 1 3 Election commissioners Passed General election lav Board of supervisors Rest of County I Under County clerk County \ Judge V Confirms \ Conduct registration Conduct elections and select 5 judges for each precinct polling place Selects polling place and selects I 5 judges for each precinct polling place Conducts registration Conducts elections LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 39 MARKING A BALLOT Ballots are marlced by putting an [x] in the square before the name of the candidate or in the circle at the top of the party column. NO OTHER MARK WILL DO. The [x] must cross within the square or circle. TO VOTE A SPLIT TICKET Place an [x] in the square in front of the name of each candidate regardless of party column. Or, place a cross in the party circle at the head of the party column containir.'] most of the candidates for whom you wish to vote, and mark a cross in front of each candidate you wish to select in any other party column. The first method is safer. TO VOTE A STRAIGHT TICKET in front of each candidate's nanne, or Place an X place an vy in the circle at the head of the party column. WRITE-IN CANDIDATES If the voter wishes to declare for a candidate whose name does not appear on the ballot, he may write the name in a blank space under the proper office and make a square at the left of the name and place an [x] in said square. CUMULATIVE VOTING Each voter may cast three votes for members of the Illinois General Assembly, which he may distribute as he wishes. An [x] in the square before only one candidate's name gives that candidate three votes; an [x] in front of the names of two candidates gives each one and a half votes, and an [x] in front of the names of three candidates gives each a vote. ABSENTEE VOTING This is permitted, provided the voter is registered. Registered physically Incapacitated absent voters may also vote but must attach to their affidavit an application for ballot, a certificate of their attending physician or attend- ing Christian Science practitioner. Detailed information can be secured from the proper authority. Districts A resident of Sangamon county votes in a precinct of the township in which he resides. Sangamon county voters are residents of state senatorial district 45, state representa- tive district 48, congressional district 21, the 3rd supreme court district of Illinois, the 7th judicial circuit of Illinois, and the 3rd appellate court district. REMEMBER: VOTING IS YOUR DUTY AND PRIVILEGE IN A DEMOCRACY Any further information you need will be supplied by your election authorities: City of Springfield: Office of the Election Commission City Hall Sangamon County: Office of the County Clerk Court House FACTS ABOUT SANGAMON COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS Newspapers Illinois State Journal (morning) Illinois State Register (evening) Illinois State Journal and Register (Sunday) Springfield Press (weekly) Illinois Tradesman (weekly) Capitol City News (weekly) Radio Stations WMAY— AM— affiliated with NBC WTAX— AM & FM— affiliated with CBS WCVS— AM— affiliated with ABC and MBS Telegraph Western Union Company American Telephone and Telegraph Company Telephone General Telephone Company of Illinois Illinois Bell Telephone Company Television WICS-TV — Springfield television station, operating on UHF Channel 20. The area Is also served by stations from (I) Champaign, (2) Decatur, (3) Peoria, (4) Quincy. and (5) St. Louis. EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES— Special and Advanced Vocational Schools St. James, Riverton Colleges and Universities Springfield Junior College (day and evening classes) Concordia Seminary University of Illinois Agricultural Extension Southern Illinois University Extension Illinois State Normal — summer courses in Spring- field for teachers Adult Education Courses under Board of Education Special Schools Schools of Nursing Medical Technology X-Ray Technology Hope School Business Schools Music Schools Dancing Schools Beauty Culture and Barber Schools Driver Training Other — Telegraphy, Modeling Libraries MEDICAL FACILITIES Dentists (about 69) Hospitals St. John's Hospital, Springfield (740 beds) Memorial Hospital, Springfield (361 beds) St. John's Tuberculosis Hospital, Riverton (200 beds] Licensed Nursing Homes 16 nursing homes with a capacity of 628 beds 4 sheltered care homes with a capacity of 59 beds 4 homes for the aged with a capacity of 203 beds Physicians (about 190, Including representation in almost every field of specialization) Registered Nurses Visiting Nurses Association (6 registered nurses; see Agencies of United Community Services, below.) NATURAL RESOURCES Coal. The supply of bituminous coal Is estimated at about four billion tons remaining underground In Sangamon county. The reserves located near rail facilities, however, are substantially depleted. Only about one-half of the coal reserves are recoverable under present methods. Oil and Gas. The resources of oil and gas within the county are believed to have little economic Importance. There are, however, at least nine producing oil wells in the county, but these are not regarded as Important producers. In the Taylorville area wells of considerable Importance have been brought in. Sand, Gravel and Limestone. Sand and gravel deposits in Sangamon county are inferior, but good quality sand and gravel are available nearby. Limestone is found in limited quantity in the county, but as in the case of sand and gravel better resources are readily available from other communities In the state. Sewers. Sewage-disposal problems have been an ob- stacle to expansion in the Springfield area, but a satisfactory Improvement program Is now underway. Water Supply. Major source for Springfield and sur- rounding area is Lake Springfield, which serves the following communities: Auburn, Chatham, DIvernon, Srandvlew, Paw- nee, Riverton, Rochester, Southern View, Southlawn, Spring- field, and Thayer. The water supply system, including a filter plant, res- ervoir, and overhead storage tank. Is owned by the city of Springfield. The water supply Is deemed adequate, since the addi- tion of the Horse Creek source to the Lake Springfield sup- LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 41 ply, to provide for the needs of current users and to accom- modate expansion. RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES Residents of Springfield and Sangamon county are offered a generous assortment of athletic and outdoor activities, recreational facilities, and opportunities for intel- lectual stimulation, and cultural growth. Civic, fraternal, service, cultural, professional, and social organizations abound. Visitors are attracted to the area by the Lincoln shrines, the Vachel Lindsay home, the Illinois state fair, and the Illinois state library and museum. The list which follows contains only a sampling of the facilities of general interest available in the Springfield area. Art and Crafts Springfield Art Association, Edwards Place Soripofield Ceramics and Crafts Club Athletic and Outdoor Activities Amusement parks and miniature golf facilities. Baseball — Little League, Colt League, Pony League, and others. Springfield has hosted the Pony Grads world series. Bowling — five bowling lanes in Springfield area. City parks — fourteen in Springfield. Civic Garden Club Country clubs — private clubs in Springfield area offer swimming, tennis, and golf, as well as social activities. Golf courses — Pleasure driveway and park district: Bunn, Bergen, and Pasfieid parks; Lincoln Greens at Lake Springfield. Ice skating and roller skating rinks Lake Springfield (a) Two public beaches. (b) Seven parks equipped with playgrounds, picnic tables, outdoor cooking facilities including free firewood, running water, and maintenance. (c) Fishing — Lake Springfield is stocked in co- operation with the State Department of Conservation and the Sportsmen's Club. (d) Boating and yachting — Lake Springfield licenses boats and enforces safety regula- tions. Two patrol boats patrol on week- ends, summer holidays, and during emer- gencies. (e) Sixteen clubs for various organizations. (f) Amphitheater for summer plays or operas. Memorial Swimming Pool Nature League Lectures and Cultural Programs Great Bool(S Program, Lincoln Library Midday Luncheon Club Springfield Woman's Club Town Hall, Inc. — celebrity lecture series each year Music Amateur Musical Association Municipal band and Municipal choir Springfield Symphony Association Theatre Little theatre — Springfield Theater Guild Motion picture theatres — eleven in Springfield. Summer theatre — Tent at the Lake: Pandora Play- ers, Chatham SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Agencies of United Community Services Aid to Retarded Children This agency was created by a group of parents and other persons interested in promoting the general welfare of retarded children. They conduct classes for retarded children and provide activities for them. They also advise parents of retarded children and work to develop a better understanding of the retarded. Boy Scouts of America, Abraham Lincoln Council Offers a scouting program to Sangamon county boys between the ages of 8 and 18. Boys' Club Provides a program for the educational, recreational, vocational, social, and character development of boys from 8 to I 8 years of age. Boys' Farnn This organization provides a home for dependent teen-age boys. The farm provides a home-like life for the boys, with sports, job responsibilities on the farm, education at nearby schools, and participa- tion in community activities. Catholic Charities This agency serves Catholic families in Springfield and Sangamon county. They provide casework services, foster home placement services, and as- sistance in adoption proceedings. Catholic Youth Organization Provides a balanced educational program for teen- agers and young adults. It sponsors Softball, bas- ketball, bowling teams, and other activities. Child and Family Service This agency places children in foster homes, adoptive homes, or in relatives' homes; offers marriage coun- seling; operates a day nursery; gives aid to unwed mothers; and serves as a referral source for other agencies. Goodwill Industries Provides a sheltered workshop for Individuals unable because of physical, emotional, or social handicaps to secure employment. 42 FOCUS ON SANGAMON COUNTY Land of Lincoln Girl Scout Council Provides a scouting program for girls between the ages of 7 and 18. Lutheran Charities Council The Lutheran Charities Council serves Lutherans re- siding in Springfield and Sangamon county; it offers placement for homeless children, aid to unwed mothers, and counseling service. Mental Health Association a. Provides a psychiatric, diagnostic, and treatment center, utilizing the skills of social workers, psy- chologists, and psychiatrists, to help children and adults who have emotional problems which inter- fere with their daily living. b. Provides alcoholic clinic. Red Cross a. The Red Cross gives assistance to victims of dis- aster, such as floods and tornadoes. b. The Red Cross Home Service aids servicemen, offering financial assistance, emergency telegrams, and other services. c. They give free first aid courses throughout the country. d. Through the Junior Red Cross, children make production Items for hospitals and pack gift boxes. e. Red Cross swimming lessons are given to teach men, women, and children the art of safe swimming. f. They provide nursing services in the event of an emergency. g. Through the Red Cross Blood Program, blood is collected for defense purposes. h. The Red Cross also trains volunteers to work as gray ladies, staff aides, nurses' aides, and in the motor service, canteen service, and production and supply departments. Salvation Army This agency provides a broad social welfare program for all age groups in Sangamon county: they pro- vide food, lodging, and clothing for homeless men; they aid victims of disaster; and they visit con- valescent homes. Springfield Jewish Federation The federation provides aid and counseling service in child and family welfare for both transients and residents of Jewish faith. St. John's Breadline Provides meals to those who are in need, without regard to race, color, or creed. Travelers' Service Provides assistance to persons stranded in Sangamon county without funds and to newcomers seeking help In getting situated; it also supplies transporta- tion to ill persons en route to distant hospitals. United Cerebral Palsy Treatment and rehabilitation of those afflicted with cerebral palsy. United Community Services Provides year-round budgeting, public information, and fund-raising programs. Through Its budget de- partment, it administers monthly allocations to the agencies, passes on special requests for emergency grants to cover unanticipated expenses, and estab- lishes the campaign goal. Through the bookkeeping and collections department, pledges are billed monthly and up-to-date records are maintained for the campaign organization. Its Social Service Exchange acts as a clearing house for services performed by all health and welfare agencies. United Service Organizations (U.S.O.j Provides U.S.O. installations to serve our men and women in the armed forces both at home and overseas. Urban League This organization tries to improve job opportunities for minority groups; provides counseling services; and makes available their own building facilities and grounds to clubs and organizations. Visiting Nurse Association a. Provides bedside nursing care in the home, to all residents of Sangamon county as well as care and health education for acute and prolonged Illness. b. Provides prenatal and postnatal care and instruc- tion for new mothers in caring for their babies. Young Men's Christian Association Provides a program of social, recreational, athletic, religious, and service activities that may involve women and girls in the families of the men and boy members. Young Women's Christian Association Provides a recreational, character-building, and edu- cational program for residents of metropolitan Springfield and Sangamon county. NATIONAL AGENCIES (Benefits are available in Sangamon county, although local offices are not maintained. For Information contact United Community Services.) American Hearing Society Provides testing and rehabilitation (Including hearing aids) for those afflicted with hearing defects. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 43 American Social Hygiene Association Prepares vice and venereal disease surveys for con- tributors. These surveys are used to obtain legal action toward a clean-up. Medical Research Program This is a national organization whose contributors sup- port research to determine the cause and cures of all diseases. National Recreation Association Provides services such as counseling, training, pub- lications, and program-planning for groups of all kinds in providing and maintaining efficient recrea- tion programs. National Social Welfare Assembly, Inc. Performs coordinating functions, serves as the "voice" of social welfare In government and public relations, and provides a central service for social welfare. It Is working on a program on the needs of the aging and aged. TRANSPORTATION Air Service. Two airports serve the Springfield area: one, the municipally owned airport northwest of the city, and the other, a privately owned airport, located southwest of the city. Springfield is regularly served by Ozark Airlines. Charter and plane rental services are also available. Capital Airport is a continental type (CAA classifica- tion). It has recently enlarged its runways and has a newly modernized terminal of which the area can be very proud. Bus Service. Long distance bus service is provided to Springfield by six Inter-city companies operating from a Union Bus Depot. Local bus service is supplied by the Springfield Trans- portation Company. Rail Transportation. Six railroads serve Springfield: the Baltimore and Ohio, the Chicago and Illinois Midland, the Gulf Mobile and Ohio, the Illinois Central, the Illinois Ter- minal, and the Wabash. The Chicago and Northwestern also has tracks within a few miles of Springfield. Freight service connections are excellent. Passenger service, with the ex- ception of service to St. Louis and Chicago, is not con- venient, especially transportation to the east and west. Truck Service. There are about 50 trucking and moving firms serving the Springfield area, and at least 36 of these have interstate franchises. UTILITIES Electric Power. Sources: Springfield City Water, Light and Power Company, the Central Illinois Light Company, the Central Illinois Public Service Company, the Illinois Power Company, the Menard Electric Cooperative, and the Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative Company. In cases of emergency or other need for additional power, connections with other large power systems are available. Gas. Source: Panhandle Eastern Gas Lines. The Central Illinois Light Company taps these lines at two different points east of Springfield. Plans are underway to increase the service to surrounding areas. Telephone-Telegraph. See Communications, page 40. Water. See Natural Resources, pages 40-41. For additional copies address League of Women Voters of Springfield c/o Lincoln Library, Springfield, Illinois Single copy price 50c Also available for further reading: "Illinois Voters Handbook", League of Women Voters of Illinois, 1960, Price $1.50. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 3 0112 025299469