Madison County chairman presents 25-district map; residents and board members raise gerrymandering, workload and pay concerns

MADISON COUNTY, Ill. — Chairman Kurt Prenzler on Tuesday presented a proposed 25-district map for the Madison County Board and invited public comment, sparking a debate over representation, committee workloads and whether any reduction would save taxpayers money.

Prenzler told the board the county contracted with the University of Illinois Springfield to draw a single 25-seat map under a limited budget and that the contract instructed the mapmaker to avoid bias ("with the exception of minority neighborhoods that they would not be diluted"), follow Illinois law on equal population, favor compactness and respect municipal and precinct lines where feasible. "This is strictly a public hearing, as required by state law," Prenzler said when opening the session.

Why it matters: The map would reduce the board from 29 to 25 members, changing the size and boundaries of many districts. Several seated members and residents said that could make districts harder to represent, raise the workload for remaining members and create barriers to entry for ordinary candidates.

Residents pressed the board on pay and access. "If you decrease it and increase the salaries, then I see no benefit to myself," public commenter Ms. Ciampoli said, asking whether reduced membership would come with higher pay. Prenzler and others said compensation would be decided separately by the full county board.

Board members described competing priorities. Mr. Madison, who chairs the Zoning Committee, and others warned that consolidating committees — a step discussed to offset more duties per member — would lengthen meetings and could concentrate power. Prenzler noted possible consolidations (Institutions and Grants; Tax Cycle and Finance; Public Safety and Judiciary; Special Service Area #1 with Facilities) but said committee structure would be a board decision.

Allegations of gerrymandering surfaced repeatedly. Village of Godfrey resident and board member Mr. Walters said the proposal "is gerrymandered in certain places" and objected that Godfrey would lose a representative. Mike Weaver, who identified himself as a geospatial analyst formerly with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, disputed that algorithmic mapmaking equates to partisan gerrymandering and said many odd shapes reflect historical annexations and coterminous township lines rather than deliberate political intent. The exchange grew heated as speakers disagreed on intent and outcome.

Alternate proposals were in the room: Prenzler said two alternative maps drawn by County Board member Chris Guy — a 27-seat and a 29-seat plan — were authorized for posting on the county website for public review. "I've put together proposals" and "we'll be having more hearings on the mapmaking process," Guy said, urging public input.

Questions about procurement and cost also arose. Prenzler said his office was limited to $5,000 for the contract under county purchasing rules and that the Finance Committee can authorize up to $30,000, explaining why only one university map was commissioned. Board members debated whether any reduction would produce meaningful recurring savings; Mr. Babcock said the current 29-member board costs about $435,000 a year in total compensation, and others estimated savings would be modest on a per-household basis.

No final action was taken. Mr. Holliday moved, seconded by Mr. Meyer, to recess the special session until May 19, 2021; the motion carried. The board did not vote on the map during the May 18 hearing. Future steps will include posting alternative maps and further committee and public review before any ordinance or ballot measure is advanced.

Community impact and next steps: The proposed plan would change who represents several municipalities and rural areas; the board agreed to post alternative maps and continue the discussion at the next meeting, giving the public additional opportunity to review boundaries and comment.