Files on the Incorporation and Organization of Municipalities

Files consist of the proceedings of county courts or municipalities in the matter of the incorporation of cities and villages. Records of the proceedings include canvasses of votes and the results of the referenda regarding incorporation. Other documents occasionally included in these files concern change of name, annexation of one city or village to another, establishment of a city court, minority representation in city council, maps and plats of the municipality, adoption of a city manager form of government, residents' petitions, proposals to become "home rule" units of government (with election results on this matter), and dissolution of organization of a municipality. Files also include certificates of incorporation issued by the Secretary of State and correspondence concerning incorporation. Occasionally included are opinions of the Attorney General. From 1962-1998 files also contain requests for certificates of availability of names for proposed municipalities for which incorporation efforts were eventually rejected by its voters.