Aldermanic Committees

The City Council is divided among three standing committees: the Administrative and Community Services Committee, the Finance Committee and the Public Services Committee. Each committee consists of three members (two members and a chair) who are appointed at the discretion of the mayor. Seniority is often, but not necessarily considered in these appointments. (Prior to 2024, a Public Safety Committee also existed, and oversaw police, fire and emergency-related issues. Those duties were merged into the Public Services Committee via an ordinance amendment in November 2023.) 

Meeting dates, times and locations for the aldermanic committees can be found on the City's calendar of public meetings.

The Administrative and Community Services Committee

The Administrative and Community Services Committee (known as the ACS Committee) provides a liaison between the council and many of the City’s boards and commissions. The ACS Committee also has certain oversight responsibilities specifically related to the Public Works Department’s functions of planning and zoning. 

Other duties of this committee include oversight of matters pertaining to municipal property and building maintenance.

Committee Members

The Finance Committee

The Finance Committee generally oversees all matters of purchasing, spending, bonding, taxing and other financial issues including the budget process. Major expenditures are typically considered by the Finance Committee even if the expenses have already been approved through the budget. 

The budget process affects every operation and function of City government. This makes the Finance Committee’s duties challenging when funds are sometimes limited and decisions often impact the likelihood that established and identified priorities can be met. 

Committee Members

The Public Services Committee

The Public Services Committee of the City Council is generally charged with overseeing two key areas of municipal operations: the City’s utilities and street maintenance functions, and matters related to police, fire and emergency response and preparedness. 

The Public Services Committee is mandated by ordinance to perform operational reviews of the Public Works Department and to suggest changes aimed at improving the department’s efficiency. Unlike many local governments, the City of Edwardsville operates its own water production and distribution and wastewater collection systems. These operations also fall under the committee's oversight. The committee additionally oversees the relationship between the City and the private electric and natural gas utilities. Furthermore, the panel will occasionally find it necessary to review and recommend utility and related rate changes.  

The Public Services Committee also has oversight of all matters related to the police, fire and allied public safety powers exercisable by the municipality, such as animal control, school crossings and traffic control. The committee will consider and recommend rate changes and suggest ideas that will improve the operations and efficiency of police, fire or related functions. This committee also serves as a liaison between the council and the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. 

Committee Members