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Trustee raises concern that mayor offered $80,000 police chief post before taking office
Summary
Trustee Lawrence told the Village of Kincaid board that the incoming mayor had offered the deputy a chief-of-police job at $80,000 a year without board or finance-committee approval; the mayor and other trustees disputed the account and called for procedural training for new members.
Trustee Lawrence told the Village of Kincaid board on April 14 that the newly elected mayor had already offered the deputy a chief-of-police position with an $80,000 starting salary "without even being sworn in yet, by passing the finance committee and the board." Lawrence framed the comment as a procedural concern about spending and appointments that bypass committee review.
Mayor Robert Morris and Trustee Nelson pushed back, saying they disagreed with Lawrence's characterization. Morris said the village has a part-time officer and told the meeting the village is not "going there." Trustee Nelson said he hoped incoming members would use committee meetings to coordinate decisions and that the village should give new officials a fair chance. Trustee Paso recommended training through the Illinois Municipal League on the Open Meetings Act and FOIA to clarify proper processes for appointments and spending.
Why it matters: Lawrence presented the allegation as a potential indicator of unilateral decision-making early in a new administration; other trustees countered that committee processes and orientation can address procedural confusion. The board did not take formal action on the allegation during the meeting.
