Elburn won't pay administrator to leave now

The Elburn village board reaffirmed its decision not to pay severance if village administrator Erin Willrett leaves her job earlier than April 30, when her appointment expires.

They voted 5-1 against a new proposal. Only Trustee Ken Anderson voted in favor.

Jan. 19, the board rejected a similar proposal. Copies of the first proposal have not been released yet. Copies of Monday's proposal were.

Under its terms, Willrett would have left Jan. 29. She would be paid for 191.5 hours of unused vacation time, and 96 hours of unused sick time. She would also be paid for 240 hours of administrative leave.

Board members did not comment on their votes.

Willrett, who attended the special meeting, declined to comment after, including about whether she will continue working through April 30.

The administrator and department heads are appointed annually, to one-year terms, by President Dave Anderson. They are free, however, to leave if they want. Willrett does not have a contract. Anderson said he wanted to reappoint Willrett, but knew the board would not approve his decision.

Last week, Trustee David Gualdoni said he wanted a "change of direction" in the administrator's office., and wants a new administrator with more experience dealing with real estate development. Trustee Jeff Walter said trustees had lost confidence in Willrett, and questioned whether "she was really in charge" at village hall.

But Trustee Ken Anderson disagreed. In an email interview last Friday, he said "I would reappoint Erin in a heartbeat. I think she is good for the Village of Elburn and its residents. I voted 'yes' to the separation agreement because of other board members' attitudes toward Erin."

He voted 'yes' again Monday.

Willrett was hired in late 2007 as community development director. In May 2009, newly elected President Dave Anderson switched her to administrator, and made the previous administrator development director.

Willrett was named the 2015 Kane County Planner of the Year.