Mayor David Goins Announces Temporary Restraining Order Against Contested Alton Council Ordinances
The mayor said the court acted quickly to prevent enforcement of ordinances he has challenged as unlawful.
ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins on Thursday, July 30, 2026, announced that the Madison County Circuit Court has issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) providing immediate relief in response to actions taken by the Alton City Council that are alleged to have violated Illinois law and the city’s governing procedures.
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Alton City Council members voted on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, to accept the reappointments of the vast majority of city officials appointed by the mayor, except for two. These include City Attorney Rodney Caffey and Greg Caffey, the city’s director of Planning and Development, Building and Zoning, and Code Enforcement.
Goins said the court's order temporarily:
- Prohibits enforcement or implementation of the challenged ordinances at issue in the litigation;
- Prohibits any further action to be taken under the challenged ordinances;
- Requires that the individuals who were removed from their appointed positions be reinstated pending further hearings and additional orders of the court.
"The Court's decision is an important affirmation that the rule of law must guide the actions of every elected official," Mayor Goins said. "This Temporary Restraining Order restores stability to city government while the legal process moves forward and ensures that actions alleged to be unlawful will not remain in effect during that process."
Mayor Goins emphasized that the Court's ruling is temporary and does not represent the final determination on the merits of the case. However, he said the order restores the status quo and protects the city’s ability to continue operating under established legal authority until the Court has an opportunity to fully consider the issues presented.
"The residents of Alton deserve a government that respects the law, follows proper procedures, and places the interests of the community above political disputes," Mayor Goins said. "My administration remains committed to transparent, accountable, and lawful governance, and we will continue working to ensure the city’s business is conducted in accordance with Illinois law."
The mayor expressed appreciation for the Court's prompt consideration of the matter and reaffirmed his commitment to working cooperatively with all parties in the best interests of the city of Alton and its residents.
Additional proceedings are expected as the case continues before the Madison County Circuit Court.
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