East Central Reporter

West Point, a small village in Hancock County, Illinois, is experiencing significant changes in its local government. The village, home to approximately 140 residents, has seen the resignation of several key officials. This includes the Village President, Clerk, Attorney, and five out of six trustees. The resignations followed inquiries from residents and a trustee into the village's financials, property sales, and budget ordinances.

The sole remaining trustee has arranged a special meeting for October 22, 2024. The purpose of this meeting is to appoint a new Village President. Once appointed, the new president will begin selecting a Clerk and up to five trustees to fill the vacant positions.

According to Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/3.1-10-50), if these resignations are valid, there is a specific process for filling vacancies in elective offices. Section 3.1-10-55 of the code may be relevant here: "If there is a vacancy in an elective office and, for any reason, there is not a quorum in office of the corporate authorities," appointments can be made or confirmed by those currently holding office at that time.

This section clarifies how vacancies should be addressed when there isn't a quorum within the corporate authorities' office—whether it pertains to sitting members or the statutory size of the body. The municipal code outlines procedures for situations where no board members are present.