From the desk of:

By Eugene Berghoff

Intergovernmental agreements have been around since colonial times. They were elevated to constitutional status in Illinois by the 1970 Constitutional Convention. The Intergovernmental Cooperation Act was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law three years later.

Why would any local government seek to contain itself in a contractural relationship with other governments? Most local officials responding to this question stated, "that in order to provide adequate service, solve local problems, and meet the demands of the people, cooperation by the 6,000 units of local government in Illinois was a requirement for advancement."

An intergovernmental agreement offers a comprehensive solution to the problems of demand, overlapping jurisdictions, and inadequate services and facilities, but, at the same time control is retained at the local level.

Through terms of such an agreement accountability can remain in the hands of local leadership. Local government decisions and the entire process remains close to the people whose lives are directly affected by them.

A number of problems including land use, annexation policies, use of natural resources, and the development and maintenance of park and recreational facilities have been solved by mutual agreements between park, conservation, and forest preserve districts and other units of local governement.

Intergovernmental agreements may create forums in which long standing problems of mutual concern can be addressed and resolved.

Many communities' recreational programs and facilities have become a reality with good planning and cooperation.

Your district should be aware of the laws of intergovernmental cooperation and take advantage of producing positive results in providing services and facilities to your citizens at the least possible cost.

For further information write to:
Department of Local Government Affairs
Office of Community Services
303 East Monroe Street
Springfield, Illinois 62706

Illinois Parks and Recreation 3 January/February, 1978