Public encouraged to share feedback on SGSD program through county survey

As the Cook County Highway Department advances plans to form an 18-member Subordinate Governmental Service District (SGSD) working group, the county is inviting public input to help shape upcoming discussions.

On Tuesday, March 3, the county launched a public survey to gather thoughts, concerns, and comments about the SGSD program.

“What we’re hoping to learn from the survey is any additional comments/feedback people may have about the SGSD program. The town hall was primarily composed of people that were in SGSD’s so we want to ensure that all voices are heard when we collect feedback,” said Cook County Highway Engineer Robbie Hass.

Discussion among county officials has been ongoing for nearly a year about the future of the SGSD program. Several county departments, including the Cook County Highway Department, the Cook County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office, and the MIS Department, which all oversee or manage SGSDs in some capacity, have advocated eliminating the program.

SGSDs allow property owners on non-serviced roads, such as private, U.S. Forest Service, or DNR roads, to pay a special assessment to the county to manage contracted road maintenance.

The highway department does not conduct the maintenance work directly. Instead, the county hires private contractors to provide services such as plowing, grading, and sanding. There are currently nine SGSDs in the county, serving approximately 260 properties.

The county recently held a town hall to hear from property owners who live in an SGSD and from community members. Following the town hall, the county agreed to create a working group to gather information, discuss the program’s future, and explore solutions.

In a Feb. 25 interview with WTIP,  Hass said the newly formed working group will not be responsible for crafting an official policy, but will act in an advisory capacity for the county.

Use the link below to complete the survey about the SGSD program: https://tinyurl.com/SGSD-Survey-Link

The public survey will remain open until Friday, March 27.

WTIP spoke with Cook County Highway Engineer Robbie Hass on Feb. 25 about the SGSD program and the formation of a working group. Audio below. The conversation regarding SGSDs begins at 13:11 minutes.

Kalli Hawkins March 3, 2026