Buffalo Grove extends village manager’s contract to 2031, paying $1.8M over 5 years

Buffalo Grove trustees voted to secure Village Manager Dane Bragg’s services into the next decade, approving a five-year deal worth more than $1.8 million, plus benefits and possible bonuses.

The village’s contract with Bragg, who started there in 2010, was set to expire this year.

At Monday’s village board meeting, trustees agreed to extend Bragg’s contract through Sept. 1, 2031.

Bragg’s current $328,757 base salary would increase by 3.5% for each of the next five years over the prior year’s salary. By the fifth year, he will make $390,460, while over the five years, he will earn more than $1.8 million.

In addition, the village will annually deposit an amount equal to 5% of Bragg’s base salary into a qualified retirement plan at his direction.

Bragg could also receive performance bonuses.

The contract includes other benefits, including a $600 per month automobile allowance and a cellphone, laptop and home VPN connection.

Village officials consider it a good investment.

Village President Eric Smith said it is important to keep Bragg at the helm at a time when stable, capable leadership matters more than ever. He commended Bragg on his institutional knowledge, professionalism and calm, collaborative approach.

The village is about to remodel one of its fire stations and is working on a possible new village hall. It is also seeing the redevelopment of the old Town Center into The Clove and major renovations at Chase Plaza.

Trustee Frank Cesario credited Bragg for helping guide the village through challenging economic times.

Trustee Lester Ottenheimer III praised Bragg and his staff.

“I’ve been here since Mr. Bragg came to the village, and if you’re not blind, you will see that the village right now is in the best shape it’s ever been in,” he said.

Trustee Joanne Johnson said the village is lucky to have Bragg for another five years.

“He could go into many other opportunities,” she said. “He has chosen to stay here.”

Trustee David Weidenfeld, who acknowledged he has disagreed with Bragg from time to time, noted the village’s achievements under his tenure.

He said the village has poured millions of dollars into infrastructure, without the village’s share of property taxes increasing. He added the village has maintained a AAA bond rating and funded pensions at a higher rate compared to other communities.

Bragg said he is looking forward to working with the board as the village has important work to do in the next few years.

“I’m very eager to see us continue to chip away at all these major projects and initiatives,” he said.

szalusky@dailyherald.com