Road Salt Battle Between Algonquin Officials Heads To Court

ALGONQUIN TOWNSHIP, IL — A legal battle between Algonquin Township officials that's centered on salt will be heard in a McHenry County courtroom Wednesday, one day after Algonquin Township Highway Commissioner Andrew Gasser filed a motion in court claiming salt is below 300 tons, declaring what he believes is a salt shortage emergency, according to WGN. The news report said Gasser blames Algonquin Township trustees, claiming they won't pay a bill to a company, while trustees claim he illegally bought the salt without going through the competitive bidding process.

The issue between Gasser and the board of trustees could result in the township's streets not being salted during a winter weather-filled night, WGN said, adding that Algonquin Township Trustee Rachael Lawrence told the news outlet that it’s up to Gasser whether the roads will be salted or not.

According to the news report, Gasser's attorney said in a statement, “Mr. Gasser is merely attempting to serve the people of Algonquin Township and found it necessary to file the motion with the court. We trust that the court system will do substantial justice."

Patch will continue updating this story as new information comes in.

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