Machesney Park approves 10% pay increase for village president, trustees and village treasurer

By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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MACHESNEY PARK — The village’s top elected job will get a pay raise for the first time in a decade, and other elected positions will be paid more, too.

Village Board members have approved a measure to raise pay by 10% for the position of village president, village treasurer and the board of trustees. The raise is designed to both adjust for inflation and make up for multiple years when the pay was frozen.

“All the elected officials are on call 24/7,” Mayor Steve Johnson said. “They should be compensated for all their time and effort that they try to help the residents of the village.”

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The increase passed 4-0 on Aug. 15. Three members were absent.

The new pay goes into effect for officials elected in 2023 and 2025. Elected bodies are required by law to set elected officials’ salaries at least 180 days before the start of the term.

“It’s not for anybody that is in the term right now. It’d be for the next term,” Johnson said. “Whoever holds that office for the next term would receive that increase.”

The village president’s salary hasn’t been adjusted since 2012. Starting May 1, 2025, the salary will be $51,700.

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Trustees will earn $8,500 annually under the new terms. That salary starts May 1, 2023, for trustees in districts 2, 5 and 6. It starts May 1, 2025, in districts 1, 3 and 4.

Board members’ salaries would be reduced by $175 for every meeting they miss after three excused absences. That stipulation is meant to encourage trustees to attend every meeting.

“In my opinion, you should be there at all the board meetings because you represent your constituents,” Johnson said. “We’re just trying to give guidance, that’s all.”

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After May 1, 2025, the village treasurer’s salary will be $5,940. That is the first salary adjustment for the position since 2004.

This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent