Board & Committees

How Local Government Works in Johnsburg

Oftentimes people wonder how local government works.  The Village of Johnsburg is unique in that our structure incorporates the thoughts and ideas of more than 50 people in the decision making process.  Currently seven committees, with the assistance of Village staff, research and obtain public input and provide recommendations regarding Village matters.  By utilizing committees made up of residents of the Village who bring their own experiences and expertise, the Village Board receives recommendations based on the ideas and knowledge from a broad spectrum of our community.

Our Village is made up of the following committees:  Public Works, Ordinance, Finance, Community Affairs, Development and Governmental Affairs, Planning and Zoning, and Economic Development.  Matters that come before the Village Board are first reviewed at one of these committees.  If you have an issue that needs attention by the Village, the best course of action is to contact the Village Hall so that you can be directed on how to proceed.

The public is encouraged to ask questions, voice concerns and provide input and supporting information at the committee level.  Once the proper committee has reviewed and discussed all of the information, a recommendation is made to the Village Board.  The Village Board, consisting of six Trustees and the Village President, will then consider the committee's recommendation, along with all of the information provided at the committee meeting, including any input from Village staff, before making a final decision.

In addition there are three committees that work in concert with the Village.  They are the Johnsburg Community Action Network (JCAN), Johnsburg Police Pension Committee and the Johnsburg Police Commission.

The Village welcomes all its residents to get involved in their local government.  Volunteering for a Village committee is the best place to begin serving your Village.  Here, you will have the opportunity to participate in making decisions that will steer the course of the Village as well as solving everyday problems.  The valuable knowledge and experience you will gain by serving on these committees will provide you with an in-depth understanding of Village issues and operations.  It will also help prepare you to be an effective leader and decision maker should you decide to seek a higher office.

If you are interested in serving on a committee or want to learn more about how local government works in Johnsburg, please contact the Village Hall at (815) 385-6023.  You can also go under the "Resident Handbook" at the top of the web page and click on "Applications and Forms" to fill out the Committee Application and return it to the Village Hall.