Aldermen moved one step closer to abolishing Evanston Township on Monday night, introducing a proposal to put the issue before voters.

City Council voted to advance the plan without discussion and could approve it as early as next month, ensuring the question is on the election ballot in March.

Aldermen serve as trustees of the township, which has the same boundaries as the city. The township handles general assistance for the needy and tax advice for residents.

Township assessor Bonnie Wilson voiced her opposition to the proposed ordinance in brief remarks read by resident Angela Butler.

“(Wilson) wants to make it perfectly clear that she does not approve of the referendum, that she has worked very hard these past four years to be an advocate for the taxpayers of Evanston, and she feels very strongly that the general assistance and the assessor’s office are providing excellent programs and services to the residents of Evanston,” Butler said.

Resident Betty Ester asked aldermen whether she would have an opportunity to debate anyone who supports township dissolution. City attorney Grant Farrar responded, saying the city cannot take a position on the issue but can provide unbiased information.

The council’s decision Monday night came more than a year after residents voted to dissolve the township in a non-binding referendum.

— Patrick Svitek