HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution #5554 - Appointing Finance Director and Approving an Employment Agreement RESOLUTION NO. 5554
A RESOLUTION APPOINTING FINANCE DIRECTOR AND APPROVING AN
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
WHEREAS, the Mayor, Kent McDowell, has designated and appointed Caitlyn Leingang as
the Finance Director for the City of Canton (the "City"), effective July 1, 2026;
WHEREAS,the corporate authorities have considered the appointment and designation by the
Mayor and further approve and advise and consent to the appointment and designation of Caitlyn
Leingang as Finance Director, effective July 1, 2026.
WHEREAS,the corporate authorities have determined that it is necessary and in the best
interests of the City to enter into an employment agreement with Caitlyn Leingang to serve as the
City's Finance Director, effective July 1, 2026.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the Recitals set forth above, and all facts and statements contained therein, are
found to be true and correct and are hereby incorporated and adopted as part of this Resolution;
2. Caitlyn Leingang is hereby appointed and designated as Finance Director,pursuant
to Title 1, Chapter 31 of the Canton Municipal Code, effective July 1, 2026, subject to the full
execution of a certain Employment Agreement(as described below) and execution of an oath and
bond. As part of the appointment as Finance Director, Caitlyn Leingang is further appointed and
designated as the City's Budget Officer pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.1.
3. The bond to be provided by Caitlyn Leingang shall be in an amount no less than
that statutorily established for the City Treasurer (see 65 ILCS 5/3.1-10-30), which is hereby
approved subject to acceptance by the Mayor.
4. Caitlyn Leingang's term in the office of Finance Director shall expire on May 1,
2029, unless terminated sooner pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Employment
Agreement or other applicable law or ordinance.
5. The Employment Agreement,substantially in the form as attached hereto as Exhibit
A, is hereby APPROVED.
6. The Mayor and the City Clerk are hereby authorized and directed to execute and
deliver said Employment Agreement on behalf of the City;
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7. The Mayor is hereby authorized to make revisions to the Employment Agreement, as
he deems necessary,in order to negotiate the final terms of the Agreement,provided that the salary
and term of employment of the Finance Director shall be substantially the same as in the attached
Exhibit A; and
8. This Resolution shall be in full force and effective immediately upon its passage by the
City Council of the City of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, and approval by the Mayor thereof.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS 16th DAY OF JUNE, 2026.
AYES: Alderperson Chamberlin, Lovell, Hale, Pickel, Ketcham, Gossett
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Alderpersons Nelson, Grimm
APPROVED:
By V A- 1A I I fo
ent cDowe , ayor
ATTEST: noouo / 'n' /Ij&
A,,F dW,&W
Andrea J. mith-Walters, City Clerk
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EXHIBIT
A
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement ("Agreement") is made and effective as of the I st day of
July,2026,by and between the City of Canton(the"City")and Caitlyn A.Leingang("Leingang")
(collectively referred to as the"Parties"). In consideration of the promises hereinafter exchanged,
and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the
Parties agree as follows regarding Leingang's employment with the City as Finance Director.
1. Position:
Leingang shall be employed and appointed and designated by the City as its Finance
Director.
2. Work Requirements:
Leingang will devote her full working time and attention to the performance of the duties
of the position as they may be defined from time-to-time by the City or by applicable laws
and regulations.Leingang will also be assigned other such duties,as deemed necessary,by
the City Mayor.Notwithstanding the foregoing,job duties of Finance Director include,but
are not limited to,those duties set forth in"Exhibit A,"which may be amended by the City
Council and/or the City's Mayor at any time.As Finance Director,Leingang shall serve as
the City's Budget Officer as that office is described in 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.1 through 65 ILCS
5/8-2-9.10. Serving as the City's designated Budget Officer shall be considered part of the
duties of Finance Director and Leingang shall not receive additional compensation for
purposes of serving as the City's designated Budget Officer.
The Parties realize that the position of Finance Director requires the person holding such
position to work many weekends,evenings and other irregular hours without overtime pay.
It is understood and agreed that Leingang shall work whatever hours may be necessary in
order for her to fulfill the requirements of the position of Finance Director,but in any event
not less than 40 hours per week,unless approved by the City Mayor.
3. Compensation:
Leingang shall be compensated at an annual salary rate of Ninety-Four Thousand Five
Hundred and 00/100 Dollars($94,500.00)payable per the established pay period schedule
of the City. Leingang's employment as Finance Director shall be considered FLSA
salaried-exempt, and as an exempt employee, Leingang shall not be entitled to overtime
compensation. The City reserves the right to increase Leingang's annual salary rate during
the term of this Agreement as the City may determine in the City's sole discretion. To the
extent permitted by law, the City may reduce Leingang's weekly compensation due to
absences where no vacation credit is available.
4. Term:
A. Leingang shall be employed as the Finance Director pursuant to this Agreement
and the term of employment shall commence July 1,2026,and shall continue until
May 1, 2029, unless otherwise terminated sooner according to the terms of this
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Agreement or applicable law. Upon May 1, 2029, this Agreement shall
automatically terminate and the Parties shall have no continuing obligations
hereunder.
B. Leingang may terminate this Agreement prior to its expiration upon thirty (30)
days' prior written notice to the City Mayor. Following such notice,the City, in its
sole discretion, may choose not to continue Leingang's employment Finance
Director thru the end of such notice period, in which case, Leingang will still be
paid through the last of the thirty (30)days' notice period.
C. The City may terminate this Agreement at any time, with or without cause. It is
understood and agreed that Leingang's employment as Finance Director shall, at
all times, be at will, and Leingang may be dismissed from this position with or
without cause. The City also has the ability to discipline Leingang as deemed
necessary in the discretion of the City Mayor.
D. In addition to all conditions set forth in this Agreement,Leingang agrees that upon
termination as Finance Director, she will(i)pay any and all monies owed the City,
if any;(ii)return all City owned property,including but not limited to the equipment
listed below in Section 7; and (iii) maintain the confidentiality of all confidential
City business.
E. Any termination or expiration of this Agreement shall be deemed a termination of
Leingang's appointment and designation as Finance Director, and she hereby
agrees she shall be deemed to have vacated that office, and the office of Budget
Officer,upon the termination and/or expiration of this Agreement.
5. Insurance:
Leingang is eligible for health insurance in accordance with and under the same terms and
conditions as those provided to other non-union employees of the City. The premium
payment for any City coverage selected will be deducted from each of Leingang's regular
paychecks to the extent Leingang is responsible for such premiums. Employee insurance
coverage, deductibles, out of pocket costs, and other health insurance details shall be
governed by the City's health insurance plan documents.
6. Time Off and Other Benefits:
Leingang will be entitled to the same time off,vacation,and other employment benefits in
accordance with and under the same terms and conditions as those provided to other non-
union employees of the City, as may be amended from time-to-time. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, upon commencement of her employment and after 1 year but less than 7 years
of employment, Leingang shall be permitted to earn up to and use fifteen (15) vacation
days, rather than zero (0) during her first year and 2 weeks as set forth in the current
policies, subject to the remaining terms and conditions of the City's personnel policies as
they pertain to non-union employees and vacation days. These days shall not be in addition
to the vacation days set forth in said policies.
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7. ui went:
Leingang shall be assigned a cell phone, which will be paid for by the City, and she shall
not use her personal cell phone for City business. The cell phone assigned shall only be
used for City business.
8. IMRF Pension Contributions:
The City will make the contributions required of an employer pursuant to the provisions of
Article VII of the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5/7-101 et seq.) ("Illinois Municipal
Retirement Fund"or"IMRF"). Leingang shall make any required employee contributions
under the IMRF pursuant to a reduction of her salary.
9. Outside Interests:
While employed by the City, Leingang will not invest in a corporation, business or other
organization,or participate in the management corporation,business,or other organization,
if it is judged by the City that her participation would interfere with her full-time obligation
to the City or that her participation would be incompatible with the affairs and/or operation
of the City. Leingang shall not engage in any non-City connected business or employment
without prior approval of the City Mayor.
10. Residency Requirement:
Leingang shall at all times reside within a twenty-five(25)minute drive of the Canton City
Hall as determined by Google Maps.
11. Attorney Fees. Leingang agrees to reimburse the City for any attorney fees, costs and
expenses incurred in its successfully enforcing any part of this Agreement in any state or
federal court lawsuit and/or its successfully defending all or part of any lawsuit that
Leingang may file against the City and/or any individual in their capacity as an agent of
the City.
12. Modification. The City and Leingang may agree to meet and discuss modifications to this
agreement at any time during its term. All modifications of this Agreement shall be
ineffective unless reduced to writing and signed by the Mayor and Leingang and approved
by the City Council.
13. Severability:
The invalidity or unenforceability of any particular provision of this Agreement will not
affect the Agreement's other provisions, which are then to be applied as if the invalid or
unenforceable provision were omitted.
14. Governing Law and Venue:
This Agreement will be construed, interpreted, enforced and governed, in all respects, in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois and the City, and any litigation pertaining
to this Agreement or Leingang's employment must be filed and resolved in the Circuit
Court of Fulton County,Illinois.
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15. Headings:
The headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
16. Integrated Agreement:
There are no agreements, understandings, restrictions, warranties, or representations on
which Leingang may rely relating to the terms of his employment by the City other than
those set forth in this Agreement and this Agreement expressly supersedes and voids any
prior employment agreements between Leingang and the City. Furthermore, no future
agreements,understandings,restrictions,warranties,or representations may be relied upon
by Leingang, unless they are set forth in writing and signed by the Mayor of the City.
By witness as indicated below, the parties have executed this Agreement on the date and year
indicated below.
Caitlyn A. Leingang The City of Canton
A IAA
Lou
Caitlyn AVf eingang V By: Kent A. McDowell, Mayor
Date: �e�do�(i Date:
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EXHIBIT A—Job Description
Job Title: Finance Director
Department: Administration
Reports To: Mayor
FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt
Location: Canton,Illinois
POSITION SUMMARY:
The City of Canton, Illinois is seeking a highly motivated and strategic professional to serve as
Finance Director. This role requires financial leadership, focusing on fiscal oversight and the
administration of local incentive programs. The successful candidate is one who can provide both
strong financial management and proactive leadership in driving community growth and
development.
The Administrator is responsible for overseeing the preparation, management, and monitoring of
the city's operating and capital budgets.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead the development, coordination, and administration of the City of Canton's annual
budget and/or appropriations ordinance
• Serve as the City's Budget Officer as that office is described in 65 Illinois Compiled
Statutes 5/8-2-9.1 through 5/8-2-9.10 as amended
• Conform to and follow the duties as prescribed in 65 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/8-2-9.1
through 5/8-2-9.10 as amended from time to time including, but not limited to, the
following:
o Permit and encourage and establish the use of efficient planning, budgeting,
auditing, reporting, accounting, and other fiscal management procedures in all
municipal departments, commissions, and boards;
o Compile an annual budget in accordance with 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.3;
o Examine all books and records of all municipal departments, commissions, and
boards which relate to monies received by the municipality,municipal departments,
commissions,and boards,and paid out by the municipality,municipal departments,
commissions, and boards, debts and accounts receivable, amounts owed by or to
the municipality,municipal departments, commissions and boards;
o Obtain such additional information from the municipality,municipal departments,
commissions, and boards as may be useful to the budget officer for purposes of
compiling a municipal budget;
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o Establish and maintain such procedures as to ensure that no expenditures are made
by the municipality, municipal departments, commissions, or board except as
authorized by the budget.
• Coordinate all competitive bidding procedures with the administration,City Engineer,City
Attorney, and/or appropriate Department Heads
• Review departmental budget proposal submissions for compliance, accuracy and strategic
alignment.
• Analyze revenue forecasts, economic conditions, and expenditure trends to support long-
term planning.
• Monitor and report on budget performance, recommending adjustments as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with municipal financial policies,GASB standards and Illinois statutes.
• Collaborate with the City Comptroller, City Treasurer,Mayor, Department Heads and City
Clerk in preparing the budget and preparing for audits,fiscal policy planning and necessary
financial reporting.
• Attend all regular City Council meetings, and special City Council meetings or committee
meetings (if needed), and be prepared to discuss the financial impact and considerations of
all items being discussed on the relevant agenda
• Perform any other duties as directed by the Mayor from time-to-time
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelors' degree in Public Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, Business
Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in municipal finance, budgeting, or economic
development
• Strong understanding of Illinois municipal finance laws and regulations, municipal budget
practices, TIF district management and BDD administration.
• Strong understanding and familiarity with the Canton Municipal Code and other applicable
law related to competitive bidding,municipal procurement,zoning regulations, and unsafe
or dangerous buildings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports
and present to the public body.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, Microsoft Excel, and municipal or economic
development software systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Public Administration, Finance, or Economic Development
• Certification such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Certified Government
Financial Manager(CGFM), or Certified Public Finance Officer(CPFO).
• Proven experience managing and implementing municipal or government incentive
programs, such as TIF Districts and BDD programs
• Experience with grant writing and administration.
• Familiarity with Canton-area business community and regional economic environment
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The City of Canton is an equal opportunity employer. The City provides equal employment
opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination
and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin,
disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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