Campton Hills voters will encounter a loaded ballot Nov. 6.

A binding referendum will determine whether the clerk position becomes an appointed job rather than an elected position. Currently, salaries for the position have to be established 180 days before an election, and there are no requirements for the clerk to approach the job as a full-time position. That discourages the village from offering enough compensation to provide incentive for a larger time commitment.

Campton Hills Village President Patsy Smith said making the position an appointed, full-time post would attract more qualified candidates and allow the clerk – currently paid $6,000 a year – to undertake tasks beyond taking meeting minutes. Among the envisioned roles are keeping up with expiring village contracts, certifying or signing documents in a timely fashion and publishing new ordinances and amendments.