Tuition reimbursement plan divides E. Dundee trustees

As an incentive to attract potential top-tier employees, and to retain current village staff members, East Dundee village officials are considering a tuition reimbursement program.

But while some staff members and village trustees say the employment perk would better the village, others say such a benefit would strain an already stretched budget.

Under the plan, eligible employees would receive up to $2,500 toward undergraduate and graduate courses directly related to the employee's present job, future responsibilities or a promotional position. The reimbursement program would be capped at $10,000 a year.

The amount of the reimbursement would be dependent upon the employee's final grade, with the village offering full reimbursement for a grade of A, 75 percent of tuition for a B, and 50 percent for a grade of C.

The reimbursement would not cover costs related to textbooks, student fees, matriculation fees, lab fees, parking or mileage.

"In order to attract quality people, we need to provide some incentive for them to pursue excellence in their area," Village Administrator Frank Koehler said during the village board's Committee of the Whole meeting Monday.

"I think it is an opportunity to encourage employees to pursue programs that can come back and be a benefit to the village."

However, those opposed to the proposed reimbursement said the village cannot afford the program, as it faces a potential $750,000 reduction in sales-tax revenue with the anticipated withdrawal of Wal-Mart, the village's single greatest sales tax generator.

"It would be fiscally irresponsible to add the program right now because we don't know if we are getting Wal-Mart's revenue," said Trustee James Carlini, who spoke against the program along with Trustee Michael Ruffulo.

"It is irresponsible to add a benefit that we don't have the money for. If tuition is so important, something else needs to give."

The village board will vote on the reimbursement program at its next regular board meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, July 21 at village hall, 120 Barrington Ave.