Mayor breaks tie to give Mount Prospect village manager a raise

Mount Prospect Mayor Paul Hoefert cast the tiebreaking vote Monday to give Village Manager Michael Cassady a raise for this year.

Cassady’s base salary will go from $312,000 to $326,664, a 4.7% increase. With additional benefits — including deferred compensation of $26,133, a $25,000 bonus and a $12,000 vehicle allowance — he will receive $389,797.

“I’m a thousand percent behind this,” Hoefert said, saying the village’s progress has been off the charts. “If you look at the financial condition of the village today, it’s never ever been stronger.”

He mentioned several highlights, including the development in south Mount Prospect and the acquisition of the former Chase Bank building at 111 E. Busse Ave., which had long been tied up in the courts.

He added, “If you don’t think this man has options, you would be wrong,” referring to Cassady’s recent candidacy for the Sarasota city manager’s job. “This man’s on the radar.”

Trustees Colleen Saccotelli, Terri Gens and John Matuszak voted in favor of the raise, while Trustees Vince Dante, William Grossi and Beth DiPrima voted against.

“He’s an excellent village CEO,” Saccotelli said. “He has led us through some difficult times.”

Gens said the raise keeps Cassady’s pay package comparable to similar suburbs.

DiPrima cited negative interactions with the board and public as well as communication issues. She also believes the compensation is too generous given the state of the economy.

While Grossi praised Cassady’s contributions, including the settlement with Prestige Feed Products, he noted Northwest suburban village managers are among the highest compensated public officials in the state. He noted Cassady gets paid more than the governor and other statewide elected officials.

Dante said he was voting as a steward of taxpayer dollars.

“Many of our residents are dealing with rising costs in their own lives,” he said.

Following the meeting, Cassady thanked the board members who voted yes, said the village has a great team and looked forward to upcoming projects.

“I’m glad to be here,” he said.