City Eliminates Township

Belleville Township officials have decided to dissolve the 130-year-old township in an effort to save money. Board members voted unanimously to shut down the township on May 15, 2017. The Belleville City Council still needs to agree to take over the township's responsibility of providing aid to needy residents. The dissolution will be revoked if the city council doesn't vote by Aug. 1 on an ordinance to take over the township's duties. Trustee Michael Hagberg expects the city to approve such an ordinance. He believes the dissolution could possibly save taxpayers an estimated $250,000 a year. Belleville Township has nearly the same borders as the city of Belleville.