Elected:  April 1, 2025

Term:  May 12, 2025- May 2029

Biography

Linda has an associate's degree in data processing from Northwest Mississippi Community College, a bachelor's in elected studies (accounting and business management) from St. Ambrose University, and a master's in public administration from the University of Illinois, Springfield.

Linda started her 35-year career in public service with Scott County Government in 1988. Subsequently, she joined the City of Rock Island as a fiscal technician in 2001, later retiring as the finance director in 2023. Additionally, she held the position of director of finance at Community Home Partners in Rock Island.  

Linda has dedicated many decades to serving the Quad City community through her involvement in various organizations. She has held positions on numerous boards and commissions, including Dress for Success Quad Cities, MLK Jr. Community Center, Rock Island County NAACP, Rock Island Human Rights Commission, and the United Way Strategic Investment Panel. She is also a member of the Quad Cities Chapter of the Links Incorporated. Her exemplary service was recognized in 2022 when she received the Community Caring Conference Leadership Award. 

Linda is married to Aubrey Barnes, a veteran of the Marine Corps. Their children are Aubrey K Barnes, educator and poet; Brieanna Barnes, certified athletic trainer; and the late Benjamin Barnes, graduate of Hamilton Technical College and former student at Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis, MN.

Linda, a proud Rock Island resident, looks forward to serving the community in this new role.

Ald. Barnes held a ward meeting on Oct. 21, 2025 at City Hall. To watch the meeting, click here. Third Ward Budget Meeting

Below are links to documents with more information, including a list of questions asked by residents and the responses. 

Questions and Responses

An Overview of Property Taxes

Homestead Exemptions

Assessors 2025 Instructions

Illinois Property Tax System

Assessors information

Assessment and Equalization

Developers Assessment

2024 ACFR Bond and Loans