BUDGET OFFICER AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR

CITY OF CANTON
BUDGET OFFICER AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR
 
Job Title:        Budget Officer and Economic Development Administrator
Department:              Administration
Reports To:    Mayor
FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt
Location:        Canton, Illinois
 
Salary Range: $95,000.00 to $110,000.00
 
General Description of Benefits: Group Medical Insurance and Life Insurance (available), Family and Medical Leave Act leave, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension, Flexible Spending Account (available with certain health plans), Holiday Pay, Personal Leave, Sick Leave, Vacation Leave, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, and Military Leave (as applicable).        
 
Final employment with the City of Canton will be subject to approval by the City Council and the approval and execution of an employment agreement. 
 
Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (C.S.T.) on September 12, 2025
 
POSITION SUMMARY:
 
The City of Canton, Illinois is seeking a highly motivated and strategic professional to serve as a full-time Budget Officer and Economic Development Administrator. This multifaceted role combines financial leadership with active economic development management, 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, as well as advancing the city’s economic development initiatives – including active management of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts and Business Development Districts (BDDs). The position serves as a key resource for business owners, developers, and city leaders in promoting both fiscal stability and economic vitality for Canton.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 

• Lead the development, coordination, and administration of the City of Canton’s annual budget and/or appropriations ordinance
• 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:
  • 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;
  • Compile an annual budget in accordance with 65 ILCS 5/8-2-9.3;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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
• Monitor all residential and commercial demolition activities of the City and collaborate with appropriate City employees and the City Attorney for the efficient demolition of unsafe or dangerous buildings
• Perform any other duties as directed by the Mayor from time-to-time

• Administer and oversee the City’s economic incentive programs, including the city’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts and Business Development Districts (BDDs), including promoting the TIF Districts or BDDs as a tool to drive economic development in the city, project evaluation and making recommendations to the Canton City Council for approval and/or disapproval of funded projects, financial tracking, compliance reporting and administration of redevelopment agreements, and compliance with applicable law.
• Serve as a point of contact for businesses, developers, and community stakeholders regarding available incentives and development opportunities.
• Lead business retention, recruitment, and expansion strategies to strengthen Canton’s commercial and industrial base.
• Develop and maintain marketing materials for the city’s economic development programs and properties.
• Support the research of, preparation of, and submission of grant applications and opportunities for economic development and public infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate with local, regional, and state organizations to obtain grants and other financial resources to grow economic development within the City of Canton
• Coordinate with local, regional, and state organizations to leverage resources to promote Canton as a business-friendly community and to attract and retain businesses
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Canton City Council, advisory boards and the public on district activities and economic development initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Finance, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 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 a public body.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, Microsoft Excel, and municipal or economic development software systems.

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Finance, or Economic Development
• At least 4 years’ experience in municipal finance, budgeting, 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

• Cover Letter
• Resumé
• No less than three (3) professional references, including contact information for said references
• Submissions must be received by Mayor Kent A. McDowell, 2 N. Main Street, Canton, IL 61520 via mail or e-mail (kmcdowell@cantoncityhall.org) no later than 5:00 p.m. (C.S.T.) on September 12, 2025
• Applicants may be subject to a background check prior to hiring
• Final employment with the City of Canton will be subject to approval by the City Council and the approval and execution of an employment agreement