PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — The Paxton City Council unanimously approved a resolution censuring Robert Pacey Tuesday night. While the council does not have the authority to remove Pacey from his position as Alderman, the censure formally acknowledges that Pacey’s resignation would be in “the best interest of the City and its residents.”
WCIA’s partners at the Ford County Chronicle attended Tuesday night’s meeting. According to the Chronicle, seven council members voted to censure Pacey. Alderman Pacey abstained from the vote.
A censure is a formal resolution by a City Council reprimanding a person — normally one of its own members — for their conduct.
The City Council stated that during the ongoing Title IX investigation and lawsuits, Pacey only attended two City Council meetings since March 2025. Moreover, at one of the meetings he attended, Pacey’s presence resulted in “disruption in the meeting.” The City Council emphasized that residents and taxpayers deserve an Alderman who regularly participates in meetings.
Legally, the city council is unable to alter Pacey’s term of office without initiating the referendum process. The council noted that by the time this process concluded, Pacey’s term would have already ended.
“As a result, the City is currently under the understanding that it cannot remove Alderman Pacey from office in a manner that would be resolved before the expiration of Alderman Pacey’s term,” the censure states.
Pacey was elected to a four-year term in 2023. He is one of the Ward Three Alderman.
Five plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against Pacey, the Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District, and several school officials. The lawsuits claim that Pacey engaged in inappropriate touching with his students and athletes. However, a Title IX investigation into the PBL School District and Pacey found “insufficient evidence” that Pacey violated district policy.
The Ford County Chronicle reports that neither Pacey or any other Aldermen made public comments on the resolution before voting. The resolution also says it appears Pacey has no intention of resigning his position. WCIA reached out to Pacey for a statement but did not immediately hear back.
