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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
What is FOIA?
FOIA is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/2(c), "public records" means all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, recorded information and all other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared, or having been or being used, received, possessed or under the control of any public body. Records that are not subject to release via the FOIA process include confidential and trade secret information.
How Do I Submit a FOIA Request?
FOIA requests must be submitted in writing. The FOIA request should include a clear description of the public record requested. If a request is unclear, Marengo Township may need to contact you to further clarify the request. Written requests can be submitted in two ways:
VIA EMAIL to clerk@marengotownship.org
VIA USPS to Marengo Township c/o FOIA Officer 4010 IL 23 Marengo IL 60152
VIA EMAIL to clerk@marengotownship.org
VIA USPS to Marengo Township c/o FOIA Officer 4010 IL 23 Marengo IL 60152
What Happens After the FOIA Request is Submitted?
All requests are processed in the order in which they are received. The Marengo Township will respond within five (5) working days of receipt of the request. An extension of five (5) working days is allowed with written notification to the requester.
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General Assistance is a taxpayer-funded program that provides help to disadvantaged individuals for such things as food, utilities, rent, medical, fuel, etc. Marengo Township provides General Assistance to township residents who qualify for such help. Applicant eligibility is measured and determined by using strict qualification criteria as set forth under the universal rules and guidelines of the Illinois Department of Public Aide.
There are essentially two types of Marengo Township sponsored assistance: General Assistance and Emergency Assistance.
How is General and Emergency Assistance Provided and How long Does it Take to Determine Eligibility?
In all cases, General and Emergency Assistance are provided in the form of either direct two-party check to vendors, by voucher, or direct billing back to the Township. In no event is cash, or single party checks ever provided! It takes up to 30 calendar days from the time of application to determine eligibility.
Where do I go if I have questions about applying for Township Sponsored General Assistance?
Applications are available at the Marengo Township Office at 4010 N. State St. (Rt. 23), and by scheduling a personal confidential interview appointment with the Township Supervisor. Contact the township office.
Welfare Fraud Warning!
Marengo Township endeavors to fulfill its’ statutory obligation by applying both General and Emergency Assistance fairly and equitably among eligible township residents. To that extent, the Township Supervisor is authorized to investigate and thoroughly research individual applicants to verify their specific needs consistent with eligibility criteria. In several rare past instances, some unscrupulous individuals have attempted to circumvent this system by either intentionally falsifying, fabricating, misleading, plagiarizing, or in some other way corrupting the information necessary in determining ones eligibility with the express intent to commit fraud. Anyone suspected, investigated, and found guilty of such intentional criminal wrongdoing shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law!
General Assistance (G.A.) is considered for “long-term” (generally for greater than one month) assistance in meeting basic living needs for those needing help while residing in Marengo Township. That may include, but is not necessarily limited to, food, utilities, fuel, rent, medical, etc. Specific and stringent qualification and retention criteria must be met in order to become (and remain) eligible.
Emergency Assistance (E.A.) is considered for “short-term” (generally for less than one month) assistance in meeting basic living needs for those requiring immediate emergency help while residing in Marengo Township. It essentially includes all the same types of help as defined for General Assistance except that the grant is only available once per calendar year, and there must be an impending emergency. By definition, the qualifying need for Emergency Assistance is determined by the applicant’s ability to prove that a situation exists that could otherwise compromise ones immediate safety, security, health, or well-being. Specific proof that such a condition exists may include (but is not limited to): a gas or electric utility shut-off notice, an eviction notice, medical emergency, or food. Generally, overdue bills, car payments, mortgage payments, rental down payments, phone bills, etc. are not eligible for Emergency Assistance unless a compelling reason can be demonstrated and justified that and an actual emergency situation exists.
Highway Questions
I think the street I live on needs repair, is there anything I can do?
Contact the Highway Department with the location. It will be repaired ASAP.
Contact the Highway Department with the location. It will be repaired ASAP.
What should I do about a tree or other debris that's fallen on the road?
If it is during working hours, call me at 568-8636. If it happens after working hours, contact the McHenry County Sheriff at 338-2144 and they will contact me.
If it is during working hours, call me at 568-8636. If it happens after working hours, contact the McHenry County Sheriff at 338-2144 and they will contact me.
Why does it take so long to have my street plowed after a big snow?
We are generally on the road when the snow reaches 2" or more. If it starts snowing at night we are on the road within 1/2 hour after the Sheriff's Department notifies me. All roads in the township jurisdiction will be plowed and ice control put down wihtin 3 hours after we start.
We are generally on the road when the snow reaches 2" or more. If it starts snowing at night we are on the road within 1/2 hour after the Sheriff's Department notifies me. All roads in the township jurisdiction will be plowed and ice control put down wihtin 3 hours after we start.
Can I plow or shovel snow from my driveway or sidewalk onto the street?
NO! You can be fined and held responsible if there is an accident caused by the snow left in the roadway. This will be enforced by the McHenry County Sheriff's Department to the fullest extent of the law.
NO! You can be fined and held responsible if there is an accident caused by the snow left in the roadway. This will be enforced by the McHenry County Sheriff's Department to the fullest extent of the law.
Can I park on the street when it's snowing?
At this time there is no ordinace preventing this except in marked areas, but it makes the snow plow operator's job easier and safer if cars are not on the roadway.
At this time there is no ordinace preventing this except in marked areas, but it makes the snow plow operator's job easier and safer if cars are not on the roadway.
Note: Any questions can and will be answered if you call the Highway Department office between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm. If we don't know the answer, we will research and get the answer for you.
IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT NOTICE UPDATE
Effective 2026
Beginning in 2026, there will be an important change to how property assessment notices are delivered in McHenry County.
The Supervisor of Assessments will NO LONGER MAIL assessment notices for properties that are only adjusted by the equalization factor.
What this means for you:
· These notices are still being created. They are available online through the TAX BILL.
· View lookup on the Treasurer’s website: mchenryil.devnetwedge.com
· Use the link on the right-hand side to view your “PROPERTY ASSESSMENT NOTICE”. You can access them anytime once published.
Notices WILL still be mailed for:
· Revaluations
· Farmland Properties
· New Properties
Stay in the loop – don’t miss your notice. Sign up for assessment alerts at: mchenrycountyil.gov/assessmentalerts
There, you will find:
· Email/text notification signup
· A quick video on how to access your notice
· A direct link to DevNet Wedge
· Ongoing updates and helpful information
As always, our office is here to help. If you have questions or need assistance accessing your notice, please do not hesitate to reach out.
McHenry County Supervisor of Assessments Office
(815) 334-4290
Planning Commission
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 60, gives townships the right to develop comprehensive plans through township plan commissions. Marengo township began this process in 1997 by establishing the Marengo Township Planning Commission. The current Marengo Township Planning Commission consist of members appointed by the Marengo Township Trustees for two year terms and a non voting Township Trustee Liaison. The current members members are:
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The largest industry in the Township is Agriculture and most of our efforts on the Township Planning committee are directed toward Farmland Preservation. Our second largest industry, running closely behind, is Gravel Mining. The Township is participating in, and working closely with the McHenry County Gravel Advisory Council whose informational brochure can be seen below.
The Land Use Plan is a general guide for proposed developments with potentially significant impact to the Township. The Plan is to be used as a whole; no one part is meant to be used alone. The Land Use Plan provides for the orderly development of commercial, industrial, and residential land uses while protecting the resources of Marengo Township. Without the Plan, unrestrained private development could result in a haphazard patchwork of incompatible uses and inappropriate development. The goal of the Land Use Plan is to assure the future development is in harmony with the character of Marengo Township and that it will enhance the beneficial aspects of its uniqueness.
The same holds true for the Land Use Map. The Map is meant to be a visual representation of the written Land Use Plan.
This Plan and Map are dynamic documents that may be revised periodically as necessary to address issues which were originally unforeseen during early plan development.
While the Plan and Map is a policy document, it does not directly regulate the use of land in the Township. Formal regulation and zoning classification is implemented through the enforcement of ordinances, such as the McHenry County zoning and subdivision ordinances, and the decisions of the County Zoning Board of Appeals and County Board. For more information contact planning@marengotownship.org.
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