The Village of West Salem’s Board met on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Highlights from the meeting include:
- Mayor Jeffrey Bradham stated that title work on 206 S. Main Street in West Salem has finally been cleared, and the property has been sold. A structure on the property is scheduled to be demolished by the end of the week.
- The Board was informed that Trustee Tom Smith has resigned from the Village Board. The Mayor will be making an appointment to fill the vacated seat in the next few weeks.
- T.J. Smerdon of the West Salem Fire Department addressed the Village Board regarding the possibility of the Department becoming licensed as First Responders. He has talked with Edwards County EMS, and Wabash General Hospital. They are supportive of the idea. Several of the West Salem Fire Fighters have indicated that they may be interested in completing the required training, and he has secured some of the necessary supplies. The Village’s Public Safety committee will try to schedule a meeting with Edwards County EMS, and the Regional Coordinator in the next month to discuss this idea more fully.
- The Board Approved a Resolution for a Fall Fun Festival on the Village Square. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 3PM to 6PM.
- Village Engineer Paul Muhs informed the Board that he is working on submitting the application for the necessary IEPA permits for the Watermain Replacement Project. Once the permits are issued, they are valid for up to two years. West Salem is in the process of completing the grant application for the $1.2 million project.
- A Village Wide Bulk Trash Pick Up for residential customers in West Salem has been scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026.
- Nomination petition packets for the April 6, 2027 election are available at Village Hall. The Village will have three trustee seats, as well as the Mayor’s seat on the Spring ballot. Completed nomination packets need to be returned to Village Hall between November 16 and November 23, 2026.
- Trustees discussed compensation for newly elected officials in the Village. The pay rate for Trustees and the Mayor has not been adjusted in over twelve years. Currently the Mayor earns $125 per month, and Trustees are paid $75 per month. Any adjustment in pay would only impact those elected in the Consolidated 2027 election and later. The Board will further discuss, and possibly take action on, this at next month’s meeting.
- West Salem Police Chief Weber will be retiring later this year. The Board reviewed an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Edwards County Sherriff’s Department to provide policing for the Village of West Salem. Trustees had a few questions, and asked for some clarification. No action was taken. The Intergovernmental Agreement will be brought back to the Board to act upon at their September meeting.
Updates and Announcement from the Village of West Salem are posted on the website. The next regularly scheduled Village Board Meeting will be Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM. All Village Board meetings are open to the public. The West Salem Village Board meets at Village Hall which is located at 106 E. South Street, West Salem, IL.