Dolton, Illinois — A Cook County judge issued a ruling on Wednesday against Mayor Tiffany Henyard, determining that her recent unilateral appointments of a police chief, village attorney, and village administrator were made in violation of local and state laws. The decision underscores ongoing tensions between the mayor and the Dolton Village Board regarding proper governance procedures.
According to legal experts, the appointments contravened both the Illinois Municipal Code and Dolton Village Code, which mandate board approval for such key positions. The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by village trustees challenging the mayor’s actions, highlighting a deepening rift in the village’s administration.
Attorney Burt Odelson, representing the trustees, stated, “The mayor has clearly overstepped her authority by appointing these individuals without board approval, violating the mandated administrative procedures.” In response to these contested appointments, a temporary restraining order was granted, barring the newly appointed officials from assuming their roles at the Village Hall.
This legal confrontation occurs amidst broader scrutiny of Mayor Henyard’s administration. She is currently subject to multiple investigations and legal challenges, including a notable federal grand jury investigation launched in November 2023, focusing on aspects of her administration’s conduct.
The court has scheduled a preliminary hearing for October 9, which will further address these appointment issues. This hearing is set to determine the ongoing roles and legitimacy of the appointments made by Mayor Henyard.
Efforts to reach Mayor Henyard’s office for comment were met without response. Community members and local governance experts await further developments, which could have significant implications for the administrative integrity of Dolton.
This case is particularly significant as it not only explores the legal limits of mayoral power but also sets a precedent for municipal governance across the region. The outcome of this dispute and the forthcoming hearing in October are eagerly anticipated, as they will definitively impact the political landscape and operational governance within Dolton Village.