Should Island Lake mayor's pay double? Trustees think so
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct that the mayor also would be paid $100 for each board meeting he attends and an extra $1,200 annually for serving as liquor commissioner.
Island Lake trustees are considering nearly tripling the mayor's base salary to $25,000 annually.
If the village board approves the change Thursday, it would make the small town's mayor one of the highest paid in Lake County.
By village statute, Island Lake Mayor Charles Amrich is paid $8,800 annually plus $100 per board meeting. If multiple meetings are held on the same day, the mayor still receives only $100.
The mayor receives an additional $1,200 annually to serve as liquor commissioner.
Under the proposal, which requires a formal ordinance, the mayor's base salary would increase to $25,000. The stipends for meetings and additional pay for liquor commissioner would continue.
The mayor's pay hasn't changed since 1988, officials have said.
"What position in the world would go (28) years without having a raise?" said Trustee Debra Jenkins, who led the push on the issue and suggested the new amount. "This is something that should have been looked at years ago."
Trustee Mark Beeson backed the plan.
"We're bringing it up to fair market," he said. "It's long overdue."
Not everyone agrees. Trustee Keith Johns said he has "concerns" about the plan.
"I'd like to talk to the (village) treasurer about it to see if it's even feasible in the budget," Johns said.
If the board approves a pay raise, it would become effective after the spring 2017 election.
The proposed $25,000 salary is significantly greater than what most other Lake County mayors earn. For example:
• Libertyville's mayor is paid $12,000 annually.
• Wauconda's mayor is paid $8,000 annually.
• Vernon Hills' mayor is paid $14,000 annually.
• Mundelein's mayor is paid $22,920 annually.
In stark contrast, Lincolnshire's mayor serves without pay.
"(There is) no compensation for any role or activity," Lincolnshire Village Manager Brad Burke said. "(It's) completely volunteer."
On the high end, Zion's mayor is paid $35,000 annually and North Chicago's mayor is paid $52,000 annually, according to a chart provided by Island Lake officials.
In addition to adjusting the mayor's salary, Island Lake trustees are considering increasing the village clerk's salary to $200 a month.
Clerk Georgine Cooper currently receives a $150 monthly salary and $75 for each meeting she attends.
The board meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. at village hall, 3720 Greenleaf Ave.