Algonquin Township Highway Department
Support For Non-Dedicated Subdivisions
Motor Fuel Tax
Section 6-701.8 of the "Illinois Highway Code" provides that "not more than
20% of allocated Motor Fuel Tax funds may be expended for maintenance and improvement of
eligible non-dedicated subdivision roads whose property owners shall provide proportional
matching contributions, whether in cash, kind, services or otherwise."
Twenty-five Non-dedicated Subdivisions in Algonquin Township apply each spring for their
proportionate share of the Highway Department's MFT funds. Upon approval of the Township
Board and the County Highway Department, vouchers are issued to each Subdivision for the
amount of their fair share.
Subdivisions may use these funds for aggregate(road gravel), bituminous patching mixture,
sealcoating, grading and ditching, purchase of ice control mixtures or a number of
miscellaneous items.
As more and more miles of roads qualify to become part of the Algonquin Township system,
the mileage of Non-dedicated Subdivisions shrinks. Because of this and because Algonquin's
MFT share increases each year, Non-dedicated Subdivisions usually see an increase in the
amount they receive each year.
Senate Bill 1200
Senate Bill 1200, sponsored by local legislators Senator Dick Klemm and Representative Ann
Hughes, was passed in 1994 and became effective with the receipt of 1995 real estate taxes
in the summer of 1996.
This bill permits the Highway Commissioner to set aside 50% of the Road and Bridge tax
paid by each Non-dedicated Subdivision to be used to help bring Non-dedicated Subdivision
roads up to Township standards.
Funds are under the control of the Highway Commissioner who, in consultation with the
Subdivision, can prepare a plan for bringing its roads up to Township standards. Funds may
be used for engineering, preparing the road base, drainage work and paving.
County Paving Program
Neither MFT nor SB1200 funds, together or separately, can yield enough dollars to bring
most Non-dedicated Subdivision roads up to standards. Recognizing this, McHenry County has
set aside funds to pave these roads, provided they first meet all other applicable
standards. Cooperation between the County Highway Department, subdivisions in question and
the Algonquin Township Highway Commissioner under this program will eventually bring most
roads into the Algonquin Township system.
In most instances, subdivision residents come up with enough money, materials and labor to
prepare the base for the road and the associated drainage by using MFT and SB 1200 funds
and private contributions. The recipe for success under this program combines subdivision
money with Township and County advice, cooperation and final paving. Beginning in 1997
Township Highway Departments have been freed of some of the legal restraints to helping
non-dedicated subdivisions. Now it is possible for township employees and township
equipment to be used to help non-dedicated subdivisions, providing a formal plan leading
to township acceptance is in place. Contact the Highway Commissioner for details.
Other Support
The Algonquin Township Highway Department stands ready to help Non-dedicated Subdivisions
in all legal ways. Advice, some engineering support, technical assistance and
encouragement are available through the Township or the County on request for subdivisions
that wish to upgrade their roads.