Dixon Township faces assessor shortage as county plans GIS licensing costs

The Lee County Services Committee meeting on July 15, 2025, highlighted a pressing issue: the dwindling number of township assessors, a trend affecting not just Lee County but the entire state of Illinois. Officials expressed concern over the challenge of energizing the community to fill these vital roles, which significantly impact municipal and county operations, including tax assessments and rates.

County representatives emphasized the importance of appointing a new assessor for Dixon Township, noting that if the township fails to find a candidate, the county will be legally obligated to take on the assessment work. This scenario could double the workload for the county's office, creating a significant burden. The committee underscored the need for public engagement to ensure that qualified individuals step forward for these essential positions.

In addition to the assessor discussion, the meeting addressed the transition of the City of Dixon's GIS licensing. The city’s water and fire departments will contribute to the GIS fund for their ESRI licenses, shifting the financial responsibility from direct payments to ESRI to payments made to the county. This change aims to streamline costs and enhance the GIS services provided to local entities. The funds collected will be reinvested into the GIS fund, supporting its ongoing operations and potentially allowing for the expansion of services to other interested parties in the future.

The committee's discussions reflect a proactive approach to addressing staffing challenges and optimizing resource management within Lee County, setting the stage for future developments in local governance and community involvement.