Champaign County Board to Hold Referendum on Eliminating County Auditor Position
On August 15, 2024, the Champaign County Board passed Resolution No. 2024-179, which will place an important question on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot: whether or not to eliminate the office of the Champaign County Auditor.
This action follows the Board’s July 18, 2024, approval of Resolution No. 2024-178, which proposed eliminating the Auditor position effective December 1, 2024. The rationale behind this decision is the anticipated cost savings of approximately $150,000, as the County intends to rely on the statutorily required external auditor and a newly created Finance Department to handle the functions previously overseen by the Auditor’s office.
The upcoming referendum will ask voters to determine whether the Auditor’s office should be eliminated. The ballot question will read:
“Shall the office of the Champaign County Auditor be eliminated, effective December 1, 2024?”
The Champaign County Board believes that the ultimate decision lies with the electors of the County, and the resolution stresses that this is a matter best resolved through public deliberation.
This referendum marks a significant potential change in the governance of Champaign County, and voters will have the final say on whether this office should continue to exist.
The Board encourages all residents to participate in the upcoming election to ensure that their voices are heard on this important issue.