Decap trustees appoint Katherine McLaclin as township clerk to fill vacancy through 2029

The Decap Township Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of the township clerk effective June 1, 2026, and appointed Katherine McLaclin to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term, the board confirmed May 19.

Trustees said they had received three letters of interest; two candidates later withdrew, leaving a single in-person applicant. The board read an email from one withdrawer, Matt Coyle, who said he would not attend the meeting and did not feel he was a fit based on financial needs.

At the meeting McLaclin addressed trustees about her qualifications. "I think that I can take on that position," she said, describing skills in communication, organization and accuracy she said would allow her to perform clerk duties.

The board moved to approve a warrant appointing Katherine McLaclin to serve through the unexpired term that ends about May 19, 2029, citing 60 ILCS 1/60-5, which authorizes appointment to fill an unexpired term. On roll call, the motion passed.

Trustees noted the newly appointed clerk will be sworn in on June 1; the board will publish a vacancy for the trustee seat that the new clerk vacates and expects to interview candidates at the July meeting, consistent with the 60-day appointment window for filling trustee vacancies.

The board said attorney Walters has agreed to attend the June meeting to assist with any transitional or legal questions related to the appointment.