Oregon’s city officials are more invigorated than ever about attracting new businesses and development projects and growing the community in a responsible fashion. We’re capitalizing on tremendous momentum and are eager to share some truly exciting development opportunities available for commercial, industrial, and residential interests. We can’t wait to partner with you on bringing your next business venture to Oregon!
On the November 8th, 2022 mid-term election Oregon voters chose to change Oregon’s form of government to Council-Manager form of government. Until the results are certified by Ogle County the unofficial results of the referendum were 675 “yes” votes or 56.39% a total of 522 people – or 42.61% of voters – voted against the change.
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Ken Williams
Mayor
The Mayor is the chairperson in council-manager communities. Mayor Williams is a key political and policy leader. The Mayor is a voting member of the City Council who presides at the City Council meetings.
Other duties include:
- Signs all contracts on behalf of the city
- Assists the council in setting goals and advocating policy decisions
- Sets the agenda for the city council meetings and presides over meetings
- The Mayor, with the consent of the council, appoints members of the Planning and Economic and Community Development Commissions
Being the face of the city the Mayor needs to be very involved in community events and work with businesses to maintain and enhance the central and outlying business districts.
About Ken Williams: Ken Williams was elected for a third term as Mayor in 2023. Prior to his election in the spring of 2015, Ken Williams had been City Council Vice President and Finance Commissioner for eight years. He was a small business owner, operating the historic Pinehill Inn B&B for the past 10 years. The Pinehill is on the National Historic Register.
The mayor is also a proud member of Oregon VFW 8739 – serving as the post Service Officer and on the Honor Guard for funerals and parades. He is also a member of the local Rotary club, Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of the Oregon Trail Days Festival. He has a degree in business and graduate degree in finance. Was an officer in the US Army Infantry, a part-time police officer in Warrenville, IL, and Deputy Chief of Lake County Sheriff reserve.
He was born in the small rural community of Lena, IL and has been married to his wife Chris for 45 years. They have three adult children and five grandchildren.
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Mel Cozzi
Council Member
Contact Melanie Cozzi
Council Member Cozzi was sworn in on 05/14/2019 by Judge Robert T. Hanson. She served as Commissioner of Public Property during her first term.
2023 – Mel was re-elected to City Council. Oregon Changed from Commissioner form of Government to Council/Manager Form of Government.
This seat will be up for election in the April 2027 Consolidated Election.
She leads the Sustainability Committee and established the Farmer’s Market.
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Tom Krug
Council Member
Contact Tim Krug
2019 Tim was elected to his first term as Commissioner. Tim was appointed as Commissioner of Streets
2023 – Tim was re-elected to the City Council – Oregon Changed from Commissioner form of Government to Council/Manager Form of Government.
This council seat will be up for election on the April 2025 Consolidated Election Ballot for a four-year term. This will stagger council position elections for two positions every two years instead of all four the same year.
Tim sits on the Ogle County Bike and Recreation Path Committee.
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Kurt Wilson
Council Member
Contact Kurt Wilson
1/13/2015 Kurt was appointed to the City Council to serve the remaining term of Tom Miller as Commissioner of Health and Safety.
2019 – Kurt was elected to the City Council Served at Commissioner of Health and Safety.
2023 – Kurt was re-elected to the City Council – Oregon Changed from Commissioner form of Government to Council/Manager Form of Government.
This council seat will be up for election on the April 2025 Consolidated Election Ballot for a four-year term. This will stagger council position elections for two positions every two years instead of all four the same year.
Kurt serves on the Sustainability Committee
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Terry Schuster
Council Member
Contact Terry Schuster
2019 – Terry was elected for his first term. He was appointed as Commissioner of Finance.
2023 – Terry was re-elected to the City Council – Oregon Changed from Commissioner form of Government to Council/Manager Form of Government.
This seat will be up for election in the April 2027 Consolidated Election.
An Oregon resident of over 20 years. Proud of successful daughter and son who experienced our rich small-town lifestyle which offered more than we ever imagined. Has been active in church leadership, the Community Arts Legacy, Library Board, and Rotary. Passionate about the opportunities Oregon has for its future. It is indeed a great place to work, raise a family, and participate in community life. Council Member Schuster sits as the city representative on the Economic and Community Development Committee and Oregon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.