The Niles City Council is expected to decide next month whether or not to hold city elections in even-numbered years.

Niles elections currently take place in odd-numbered years, such as 2013. Legislation passed in December now allows cities, such as Niles, which hold elections in odd-numbered years, to switch their election cycle to even-numbered years.

Changing to an even-numbered year cycle would allow Niles to tie into major elections, thereby cutting the cost to conduct its own local office election. The move is expected to save the city approximately $4,600 every odd election year.

Before the council can vote on the potential switch, a public hearing must be held. On Monday, Niles City Council members unanimously passed a motion to set the hearing for 5:55 p.m. May 13. The council is expected to vote on the issue during its regular meeting after the public hearing.

If the council votes for the switch, the change wouldn’t take effect until 2014, according to Linda Casperson, city clerk.

Up for re-election this year are council members Robert Durm, Gretchen Bertschy, Bill Weimer and Tim Skalla.

Council terms are for four years. However, the even-year switch would allow council members elected this year to serve until 2018, or five years.

“If we change to even years, we can’t subtract from their term. We have to add to it if the council would go that route,” Casperson said.