Island Lake settles lawsuit from ex-clerk

A former Island Lake village clerk who sued the village in 2009 over unpaid salary and benefits has settled the case for $50,000.

The village board approved the deal with Christine Kaczmarek Thursday night. The village will pay $37,500 of the sum, and its insurance company will cover the $12,500 balance, officials said.

Kaczmarek, who served one term as clerk from May 2005 to May 2009, sued the village in February 2009 in Lake County circuit court, alleging village officials had illegally reduced the salary for her position and eliminated the clerk's employment benefits shortly after she was elected.

State law says the salary of an elected officer of any unit of local government cannot be changed during the employee's current term.

The lawsuit said Kaczmarek repeatedly complained about the salary change and that village officials repeatedly assured her she would be compensated. No compensation was provided, however, the suit alleged.

In the lawsuit, Kaczmarek demanded an estimated $182,128, plus salary and benefits until the end of her term in May 2009. She did not seek re-election last year and was replaced by current Clerk Pam Miller.

The village board approved the legal settlement with a 4-1 vote. Mayor Debbie Herrmann joined trustees Connie Mascillino, Donna O'Malley and Don Verciglio to support the measure, while Trustee John Ponio cast the lone vote against the settlement.

Trustees Laurie Rabattini and Don Saville were absent, although Saville arrived after the vote.