(65 ILCS 5/2-2-7) (from Ch. 24, par. 2-2-7)

Sec. 2-2-7. After the filing of the petition but not less than 5 days prior to the date fixed for hearing, any person owning real property or residing within the territory described in the petition or any other interested person may file with the circuit clerk his objections (1) that the territory described in the petition is not contiguous territory, (2) that the territory or some portion thereof is already included within another municipality, (3) that the territory has residing therein fewer than 7,500 residents and some portion of the territory lies within 1 1/2 miles of the boundary line of an existing municipality which has not consented to the incorporation, (4) that the territory exceeds 4 square miles, (5) that the petition is not signed by the requisite number of electors, (6) that the requisite number of persons do not reside within the territory described in the petition, (7) that the description of the territory contained in the petition is inaccurate or inadequate, or (8) that the incorporation adversely affects an existing municipality, within 1 1/2 miles of the boundaries of the territory described in the petition, with respect to its ability to perform and render necessary governmental services.

The cause shall be heard without further pleadings. At the hearing the objector may be heard in person or by counsel.

With respect to objection number (8) above, the objector shall have the burden of proving the allegations of the objection. If, upon hearing such objection, the court determines that the allegations have been sustained, but that the objection can be overcome by modification of the boundaries of the territory described in the petition, such petition shall not be dismissed, but the petitioners shall be permitted to so modify the petition before prove-up.

If petitioners fail to prove the allegation of the petition, the petition shall be dismissed, but if the petitioners prove the allegations of the petition to be true the court shall enter an order making findings of fact in accordance with the proof adduced. The order shall also designate at which election the question of incorporation shall be submitted.

(Source: P.A. 82-783.)