West Chicago council explores restoring city clerk position; asks staff for short-term options

Council members discussed whether to restore the elected city clerk position that was folded into the city administrator’s duties after the 2022 death of Nancy Smith. Corporate counsel told the council it is unusual for a municipality of West Chicago’s size not to have a dedicated clerk and outlined statutory responsibilities such as recordkeeping, FOIA administration and election‑related duties.

"It's very unusual for a municipality of this size or even very small municipalities to not have a city clerk," corporate counsel said, noting clerks also have training and an active professional network.

Council members debated whether a clerk should be elected or appointed, the cost and whether an appointed interim clerk could fill duties until 2027 elections. Concerns raised included separation of powers if the administrator holds clerk duties and potential conflicts in assigning whistleblower investigation responsibilities to a person who reports to the mayor.

Several aldermen signaled support for bringing the position back on an elective basis in 2027 but asked staff and counsel to investigate short‑term options — including whether an appointive interim clerk or an expanded deputy-clerk role is permissible under state law and local code — and to return with written options.

What’s next: Staff and corporate counsel will prepare options for the council, including implementation steps and timelines (possible appointment vs. election timing) and a recommended approach for whistleblower complaint handling.