Geneva council says no to adding 4 more aldermen
The Geneva City Council has no interest in adding four aldermen.
Monday night, they directed City Administrator Mary McKittrick to draw up a proposal codifying that sentiment.
Under state law, cities with a population of more than 20,000 must have seven wards and 14 aldermen unless that city’s council decides otherwise.
The 2010 decennial census showed Geneva grew to 21,495 residents, up from 19,515 in 2000.
Geneva has until late April to make the decision about expanding the city council, but aldermen quickly reached their conclusion at Monday’s committee-of-the-whole meeting.
“I think the size is a good size for the council,” Alderman Richard Marks said.
“We should stay at 10,” said Alderman Chuck Brown, the longest-serving alderman on the council.
“Anybody think we should go to 14?” asked Alderman Sam Hill, who was leading the meeting. He was greeted by low mutters of “no.”
Geneva could reduce the size of the city council by referendum, McKittrick said.
That would result in seven wards, with each ward having only one alderman.
The aldermen did not discuss whether to adjust the boundaries of the current five wards.