Kane County officials say now is time for raises

Kane County officials are entering 2012 budget discussions with an eye for making all departments live with no new expenses compared to 2011. But letters recently written by department heads, particularly those involved in the court system, indicate they can’t live without more money for pay raises.

The state’s attorney’s office, public defender, sheriff and IT department leaders all penned letters saying raises must come in 2012 either because of contractual agreements or because they can’t sustain the ongoing loss of talent to better-paying jobs.

“Since 2007, no nonunion employee has receive a pay increase,” wrote Public Defender Kelli Childress. “There are attorneys with four-plus years of experience working for the Kane County Public Defender’s Office who bring home less than $15 per hour. Not only is that figure far less than surrounding counties, but it is less than several of the support staff members and investigators assisting the attorneys.”

Childress said her department needs more money just to provide a base level of legal representation mandated by the Constitution. Without more money, the county will see an increasing tide of appeals filed for inept counsel.

Likewise, the IT department saw a turnover rate in employees of more than 10 percent in recent years.

Department Director Roger Fahnestock pointed out in his letter that not giving at least a 2 percent raise will result in a double pay cut for employees. The full impact of the state income tax increase will hit as 2012 begins, Fahnestock wrote. That will pair with a rising cost of living.

“Essentially, everyone that gets a 2 percent increase this year will see all of that go into Illinois income tax and Social Security with virtually none of it making it into their pocket.,” Fahnestock wrote.

Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon has been stating his view of the need to give his employees raises for several weeks with a message similar to Childress’. They both have the backing of Chief Judge F. Keith Brown in their pay raise quests.

Sheriff’s department raises are part of a union contract agreed to by the full county board. Not giving those raises would result in litigation.

County board members might find themselves addressing those calls for raises with very uncertain revenue projections for the county. County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay told board members at a Finance Committee meeting this week they will likely have to wait until the last minute to approve a 2012 budget.

“The reason is because of the volatility in the marketplace,” McConnaughay said. “The longer we can put off making that (budget) decision, the better off you’re going to be.”