Elk Grove trustees approve first pay raise for selves in four years

For the first time in four years, Elk Grove Village trustees on Tuesday night gave themselves a raise.

The pay of the three trustees elected in spring 2009 will go from $4,200 to $6,000 a year. The three trustee seats up for re-election in 2011 would get the raise after that election.

Trustees voted 4-2 to back the raise as all six officials commented. The increase will go toward reimbursing car, phone and meal expenses. Currently, trustees must submit separate expense sheets for those added expenses.

Trustees Nancy Czarnik and Samuel Lissner opposed the pay increases, saying they didn't think it was appropriate in light of the economy.

"I feel that this time we don't need to raise the salary," Czarnik said.

Lissner said while he didn't think the raise was too steep, he wanted to send a signal to other elected officials prone to raising taxes -- namely Cook County.

"Maybe by voting against it, it's really a symbolic gesture," Lissner said.

Their colleagues said the raise is warranted.

"We've really put in a lot of time and effort," Trustee Chris Prochno said.

Trustee Pat Feichter said he felt comfortable approving the raise since it won't take effect immediately.

"None of us really do this for the money," Trustee James Petri said. "But I think a few extra dollars will help."

Trustee Jeffrey Franke said he believes that trustees need the extra money to cover their costs.

Elected officials weren't the only ones who won pay raises. Trustees also approved a pay increase for Village Attorney George Knickerbocker, who will see his salary increase this year from $169,000 to $181,000. Village Manager Ray Rummel's salary will get a bump from $139,000 to $152,592.