Naperville parks chief gives up his salary increase

Naperville Park District Executive Director Ray McGury has volunteered to forgo his 3 percent salary increase this year.

Staff members will not receive merit increases so McGury said he wouldn't take one either.

"Leadership is part of setting an example and my contract calls for it but certainly I wouldn't feel right taking it so we will look at it next year and see what happens," McGury said.

The executive director made $135,000 last year and was due for a 3 percent bump if he had a satisfactory review by the park board, which he did.

His salary increase would have gone into effect Jan. 1, but attorneys have been reworking the language of his contract to allow him to give up the increase this year.

In 2011, his salary increase will be based on what he should have received this year. His contract expires Dec. 31, 2011.

Park board commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the salary freeze.

"I think it shows excellent leadership," President Mike Reilly said. "It's a great way to lead by example."

McGury said he still plans to revisit the issue of raises for staff around mid-year but there currently is no line item in the budget for it.