McHenry County Board gives raises to elected officials

McHenry County elected officials will receive pay raises to kick off their next terms.

The McHenry County Board approved the raises this week without discussion or a separate vote.

Instead, the raises were approved Tuesday as part of a consent agenda, which typically consists of a group of routine items bundled for a single vote. The measures passed 16-1, with board member Eric Hendricks casting the sole no vote. Larry Smith was absent.

The raises got approved in the middle of a tight budget season for the county. Officials said they expect expenses to outpace revenue by roughly $3.7 million during the next fiscal year, which begins Dec. 1.

Salaries have been discussed for the past few months since County Clerk Joe Tirio, who also handles the responsibilities of the county recorder, did pay comparisons and brought his request to the board.

Tirio said his job’s pay should increase because it had not kept pace with inflation. He also cited safety issues and harassment that county clerks and election officials have faced in recent years.

Currently, the clerk-recorder, treasurer, auditor, coroner and circuit clerk earn a base salary of $114,000 per year.

With the new raises, the clerk-recorder and treasurer salaries will increase to $154,000 starting late next year, when the new terms for those offices start after the 2026 elections.

Those officeholders will receive a raise of the lesser of 3% or the consumer price index, which is a measure of inflation, each year. They also get a $6,500 state stipend.

Starting in fiscal 2029 – when the new terms for circuit clerk, coroner, and auditor begin – they will earn the same as the treasurer and clerk and also receive the lesser of 3% or CPI, as well as the stipend.

The sheriff, a position also up for reelection next year, will make the same as the state’s attorney starting late next year, when the next sheriff’s term starts. The sheriff also receives the state stipend and a $4,000 county stipend.

The regional superintendent of education has a salary set by the state.

All of the countywide elected offices and 15 of the 18 county board members are Republicans.

All of the incumbents up next year for countywide offices and most of the county board have indicated they are seeking reelection.

The county board chair will see a pay increase at the end of 2028, when the new term starts. The chair will earn $104,300 and have the same increases as the clerk and treasurer, but will not receive the stipend.

A separate proposal regarding the pay for county board members has been tabled until after the budget is passed. The board must approve a budget before the new fiscal year starts Dec. 1.

Salary increases for elected officials must be approved at least 180 days before the election for those offices. But historically, McHenry County officials have approved them ahead of the primary election.