Layoffs hit Hanover Park village hall

Just as U.S. unemployment hit the highest rate in more than 25 years, Hanover Park is looking at layoffs of its own.

The village will cut three workers by May 1, leaving 193 full-time employees on staff. The "downsizing initiative" will save about $250,000 in salary and benefits, Village Manager Marc Hummel said.

"This is obviously in response to the worst economic conditions we've experienced in recent memory," Hummel said.

Hanover Park has never before implemented multiple layoffs. A hiring freeze is already in effect.

The measure will balance the upcoming fiscal year's budget, which Hummel presented to the board on Thursday. It will shrink by 2 percent to $24 million if approved.

Trustee Toni Carter, who has accused the village of being inefficient and over-staffed, said she's been fighting for months to prevent this very situation. The rest of the board voted against her proposal to cut pay raises and bonuses for the village's 10 directors and employees making at least $100,000 a year. She cited President Obama's decision to freeze the salaries of roughly 100 White House employees making that much.

"Aside from the police and fire chiefs, who are actually underpaid, the salaries are not in line with the market," Carter said.

Hummel said he's recommending merit increases up to 3 percent.

"In my opinion, we have above-average department heads seeking below-average salary increases," he said, adding that he is not accepting a bump in salary. "The department heads are the most important employees in terms of carrying out the mission of the village."