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Batavia looks at cutting aldermen's pay

Batavia aldermen are considering cutting their pay by 10 percent — and freezing the next mayor's salary.

The government services committee Monday recommended, 5-0, to do so, for those elected in April 2013.

If the full Batavia council approves the measure, it would go in to effect May 1 for the mayor and half the council. Pay would remain the same for aldermen whose terms expire in 2015, because state law prohibits officials from changing their own pay.

The committee also recommended raising the city clerk's pay 5 percent per year, as it has the last four years. The part-time position pays $6,065 annually.

“Freezing the salary where it is at is probably an OK thing,” said Mayor Jeff Schielke, whose term expires in April; he hasn't decided whether to seek re-election.

The cut was proposed by Alderman Jim Volk, whose term expires in April. He said it was a symbolic move to show residents and city employees the council is willing to sacrifice during a “lagging economy.”

It won't save the city much money, he said.

“The $5,000 I get pays for the beer I have to drink to get over the meetings,” he joked.

Volk also has not decided whether to run again.

Aldermen are paid $200 for each of the 24 city council meetings per year — a total of about $4,800 annually. That amount was set in 2004, and maintained in 2008. They are not paid for attending committee meetings.

In comparison, Geneva aldermen make $150 per city council meeting, St. Charles aldermen make $175 per council meeting, and North Aurora trustees make $550 per month.

The Batavia mayor is paid $24.81 per hour, for up to 100 hours per month and a possible annual total of $29,772.

Schielke noted that in the last year, he has spent 242 evenings at city meetings or representing the city at other events.

Committee Chairman Garran Sparks noted that one alderman had suggested city council members receive a stipend or reimbursement for supplies, such as buying a computer for city business. Nobody supported that, and no motion was made.

The full council is expected to vote on it Oct. 15.

Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke
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