Sycamore’s population growth since the last census could lead to the reassessment of wards in the city.

Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy said the wards were changed after the last census in 2000.

“In 2001, wards three and four were redistricted to reflect changes in their population,” Mundy said. “It is planned to look at wards one and two for the same reason, possibly before the April 2009 election, to ensure that all wards are as equal as possible in population so that no single ward could dominate other wards for local services and representation.”

According to Sycamore’s Web site, the city’s population went from 12,020 people in 2000 to 14,900 people in 2005.

Sycamore City Manager Bill Nicklas said they estimate the current city population to be 15,500 people.

“The pace has fallen off considerably since the third quarter of 2006,” Nicklas said. The housing slump can be blamed for the slowing of the pace, he added.

Nicklas said the Second Ward on the north side of Sycamore has experienced the most growth since the last ward assessment. When looking at wards, Nicklas said, one redraw’s the geographical lines between them, though when this is done, it may put some elected officials out of the job.

City Council is happy with the current four ward system, so it is better to change the lines between wards rather than change the number of wards or aldermen, Nicklas said.

Mundy agrees that while it is possible to change, the four ward system with two aldermen in each ward is the best way for Sycamore to operate.

“It is also possible to consider a fifth ward and to change to one alderperson per ward instead of the two per ward we have now,” said Mundy. “That change has questionable worth since each ward with two persons with staggered terms of office has served the City of Sycamore well for decades. Ten alderpersons could be a bit unwieldy, cumbersome and cause for longer council meetings. On the other hand, five are too few, and if anyone misses a meeting, a whole ward is without representation at council. Eight have proven to be workable, efficient and conducive to conducting the peoples’ business in a fair and equitable manner.”