Normal council to vote on elected leaders’ salary hikes, eyes 78 percent jump in mayor’s pay

Posted on December 14, 2018

The Normal Town Council votes Monday night on proposed pay raises for the mayor and council members. (WJBC file photo)

By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – Pay raises for elected officials in Normal are on the town council’s agenda Monday night.

The mayor’s annual salary would jump 78 percent to $32,000, starting in May 2021 when incumbent Chris Koos completes his current four-year term.

Koos is currently making $18,000, and there hasn’t been an increase since 2009 when the salary was $10,000.

The staff’s report said the higher salary is more in line with what mayors make in other Illinois communities, and reflects the growing demands of the mayor’s job. It’s supposed to be a part-time job, but the mayor’s commitment often requires more than 40 hours a week, according to the staff report.

The salary for town council members would increase 42 percent or $2,000 to $6,800, also reflecting increased job demands.

Council members haven’t received a raise since 2005. The increases would take effect for council members taking office in 2021 and 2023.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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