The Village of West Salem’s Board met on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Highlights from the meeting include:
- The Board approved the Friends of the West Salem Public Library to hold a Costume Contest and Trunk-or-Treat event on the West Salem Square on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Trick-or-Treat Hours for the Village of West Salem will be on October 31, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Residents who wish to welcome trick-or-treaters are asked to leave their front porch light on. Trick-or-treaters are asked to only visit houses that have a front porch light on.
- West Salem Fire Department Chief Jason Arnold addressed the Village Board regarding the Department becoming certified First Responders. There are several steps that need to be taken before the department can be licensed by the State. 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.
- Village Engineer Paul Muhs informed the Board that the application for the necessary IEPA construction permits for the Watermain Replacement Project are ready to be submitted. Once the permits are issued, they are valid for up to two years. West Salem is in the process of completing a federal grant application for this $1.2 million project.
- Treasurer Amelia Quillen reported that Dartt & Company, LLC were at Village Hall during the last week of September to work on the annual audit. The Audit Report should be completed before the October 26, 2026 Village Board Meeting.
- 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.
- The Board approved Ordinance 2026-09, which adjusts the pay rate for newly elected officials. The pay rate for Trustees and the Mayor has not been adjusted in over twelve years. The new pay rates will go into effect for individuals elected in the April 6, 2027. The pay rate for the newly elected Mayor will be $300 per month, and for the newly elected Trustees will be paid $150 per month.
- An estimate from Guisewite Excavating and Recycling to install an 8-foot culvert on the Shale Pit Road for $3,880.00 was discussed and approved during the Property and Buildings Committee Report.
- The Board discussed and approved storm drainage work to be completed along the ditch behind the West Salem grade school to Lancaster Road. Guisewite Excavating and Recycling will be clearing brush and trees along the ditch for $4,000.00
- The Board approved Resolution 2026-N, A Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Edwards County Sherriff’s Department to provide policing for the Village of West Salem. The agreement will go into effect on October 1, 2026. West Salem Police Chief Weber is retiring on September 30, 2026.
- The Board discussed the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on the Square. The West Salem Development Association announced that they will not be able to organize this year’s event. The Board approved the Village managing the event this year. The event will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Updates and Announcement from the Village of West Salem can be found on their website at Westsalemil.com. The next regularly scheduled Village Board Meeting will be Monday, October 26, 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.