It's an election year and pay raises are difficult things to pass when people are on the ballot. So it proved on the McLean County Board when members turned down a two percent pay hike amounting to about ninety eight dollars per year. Republican Board member Dave Selzer was in the minority, saying he favors predictability.
"We went down this road, I think it was 2000. And then we had to raise County Board salaries to cover bare expenses. And then it was reported that we gave a thirty three percent pay raise because it wasn't done for years for this very reason," said Selzer.
Democratic board member Carlo Robustelli had proposed canceling pay hikes for board members
"Given the fact that the state continues to have no budget. I know that all of us work very hard. I know that all of us are committed to service. But, I think this is the least that we can do is to say at this time it's just not wise to move forward and proceed with a pay increase," said Robustelli.
In the interest of full disclosure, Robustelli is employed by WGLT as Development Director.
Debate also brought out the proposed pay hike for board members was about the same percentage as most county administrative staff are getting when one point five percent base pay hikes are combined with seniority and merit increases.
The County is also negotiating new contracts with four bargaining units.
County Board member pay is 4,900 dollars per year. Committee Chairs get slightly more. And the County Board Chair receives just under 19,000 dollars per year.
The County Board must set salaries for elected officials at least three months before newly elected board members take their seats.
