Can a mayor remove an appointed officer in the middle of that officers term?
Yes. Except where otherwise provided by statute, a mayor may remove an appointed officer on any formal charge prior to the end of that officer’s term whenever the mayor believes the interest of the municipality demands removal. If the mayor, after removing an officer, fails or refuses within a designated time to report to the council the reasons for the removal, or if the council disapproves of the removal by a two-thirds vote of all of its members authorized by law to be elected, then the officer is restored to the office. (65 ILCS 5/3.1-35-10) A motion to award a $100,000.00 contract for the renovation of city hall council chambers to the lowest responsible bidder receives a 4-4 vote from the eight aldermen on the city council. Must the mayor vote? ANSWER: Due to the ambiguous language in Section 3.1-40-30, it would appear that the mayor may vote in case of a tie but is not required to do so. If the mayor votes to approve the contract, it is binding. If she refuses to vote or votes a
