Two state lawmakers from Kane County say providing more options for publication of required public notices will save local municipalities, and their taxpayers, a lot of money.

Sponsored by State Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove), Senate Bill 189 would allow various units of local government to publish required public notices online, rather than in a newspaper.

Its no secret that demands are high and revenues are tight for government budgets at all levels. Why not give communities a little latitude in fulfilling their obligations to post public notices? The information is available to citizens, but at a considerably lower cost to municipalities, and ultimately taxpayers, Oberweis said. I hope citizens will contact their state lawmakers and ask them to support Senate Bill 189.

State Sen. Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) is a member of the Local Government Committee that heard testimony about Senate Bill 189 March 6. No vote was taken on the bill.

This is simply a cost-saving measure. It is estimated that Kane County alone could save $200,000 a year, said DeWitte. In this day and age, there are other ways to inform residents of public information at a lower cost to taxpayers. This bill not only keeps up with the times, but also provides huge savings to taxpayers.

Senate Bill 189 is supported by the Illinois Municipal League.