Glen Ellyn parks director gets pay raises, three-year deal

The Glen Ellyn Park District board has approved a contract extension with Executive Director Dave Harris that awards him regular pay raises and keeps him at the helm for another three years.

The board unanimously approved the deal this week, with two commissioners absent. The pact runs through Dec. 31, 2018.

Harris will be paid a $129,857 base salary. At the start of 2017, his base pay will increase annually by 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is greater.

Harris also will be eligible for annual merit-based bonuses based on the district's finances and if he meets certain goals the board will establish within the first two months of the agreement.

And he will get 20 days of vacation a year and a $500 monthly automobile allowance, up from $250 in his last three-year contract.

Several commissioners expressed confidence in his leadership. The Glen Ellyn resident was first hired in July 2011 after a nationwide search to fill the top administrative post and shortly after a slate of candidates swept three seats on the board. At the time, his starting salary was $117,000 a year.

"I think you've earned a contract for life," joked Commissioner Gary Mayo, "but I understand that we're not allowed to do that, so you'll have to settle for three years."

Harris previously was executive director of the Butterfield Park District, which serves unincorporated areas in Glen Ellyn and Lombard. Before that, he spent nearly 20 years working at the Park District of Highland Park.