Upon its incorporation in 1854, the City of Galva adopted the mayor-council form of government. In Illinois, this form of government was fashioned by the founding fathers when they established the structure of a federal government comprised of separately elected legislature and chief executive. Our chief executive is the mayor, and our legislature is the city council. Additionally, the elected positions of city clerk and treasurer exist to assist the mayor and city council with legislative duties.
Mayor
Rich Volkert
4-year term expiring 5/27
The Mayor is elected at large by voters citywide, making him the political head and representative of all citizens. As chief executive, the Mayor has the authority to appoint or dismiss department heads, nominate board and commission members (with council approval), propose budgets, veto council actions, and guide city policy. Day-to-day operations, however, are managed by the city administrator under the Mayor’s direction.
City Clerk
Debbie VanWassenhove
cityclerk@galvail.gov
4-year term expiring 5/27
The City Clerk is elected at large by voters citywide; is responsible for maintaining the corporate seal and all municipal records, attending all meetings of the corporate authorities, and keeping official minutes. The Clerk publishes ordinances and resolutions, assists in preparing the annual appropriations ordinance, receives and files reports from the city treasurer, and handles all Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Treasurer
Melissa Halsall
4-year term expiring 5/27
The Treasurer is elected at large by voters citywide; is responsible for tracking the revenues and expenditures of the city and is the official custodian of all municipal funds.
City Council (Alderman)
The City Council is made up of six aldermen, with two elected from each of the city’s three wards. Aldermen serve four-year staggered terms, with one alderman from each ward elected every two years by residents in their ward, to ensure continuity. As the legislative body of city government, the council approves or rejects laws, adopts the Mayor’s proposed budget, considers resolutions (which may be ceremonial or carry legal weight), and may support or oppose the Mayor’s policy initiatives.
WARD 1
Jayme Hopping
4-year term expiring 5/29
WARD 1
Jeff Olson
4-year term expiring 5/27
WARD 2
John Wirth
4-year term expiring 5/29
WARD 2
Rick Otterstrom
4-year term expiring 5/27
WARD 3
Doug Anderson
4-year term expiring 5/29
WARD 3
Jackie Clucas
4-year term expiring 5/27
Elections and Ward Information
For questions regarding the City of Galva elections, WARD boundaries and election locations contact:
City Clerk’s Office
Phone: (309) 932-2555
Email: cityclerk@galvail.gov
City Council Meetings
Galva City Council Meetings are held on the first Monday of every month at 6:00pm and are held at Galva City Hall.
City Council Meeting Schedule:
January 6th, February 3rd, March 3rd, April 7th, May 5th, June 2nd, July 7th, August 4th, September 1st, October 6th, November 3rd, and December 1st.
Meeting Agendas & Minutes are posted on the Agendas, Minutes & Reports page.