Samantha Gange was appointed City Clerk in 2021. Prior to her appointment, Samantha served in various roles in state government and higher education, with more than 15 years of combined experience.

Samantha holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and a master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois, Springfield. She resides in Rock Island with her twin toddlers.

The City Clerk is one of the Freedom of Information officers for the City. Requests for police department records are made through the Rock Island Police Department. All other FOIA requests for information are filed with the City Clerk's office. Requests are forwarded to the appropriate department for response. Responses are returned to the requester from either the Rock Island Police Department or from the City Clerk's office.

City Elections
The City Clerk is the election official of the City. All filing of documents must be processed through the City Clerk's office. Packets of election information and forms are prepared by the City Clerk in September prior to the election year and are available to the persons interested in becoming an elected official. These individuals that have completed the requirements may file for their office in November with the City Clerk.

City Council
The City Clerk prepares all City Council meeting agendas, packets and minutes. The City Clerk signs and affixes the City seal to all City Ordinances, Resolutions and other official documents.

Annual & Temporary Business Licenses

The City Clerk issues a number of annual and temporary licenses for the City, some of which include tree trimming, plaza uses (vendors and events), transient merchants, tattoo artists and establishments, tobacco dealers, coin-operated game machines,, pawn shops, raffles, sound amplification, etc. The City Clerk also coordinates all requests for street closings, block parties, races, runs, parades, etc., which utilize City streets.

Annual Statement of Economic Interest

The City Clerk is responsible for the listing of all staff members and commission or board members that need to complete an annual statement of economic interest for Rock Island County.