Submitted By
Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 (“Administration”), Article 1 (“Officers and Employees Generally”), Section 2-1-6 (“Compensation of Elected Officers”) of the Village of Oak Park Village Code to Provide for Periodic Adjustments to the Compensation of the Village Clerk.
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Overview
Overview
Pursuant to the Village Board’s instruction at the October 29, 2024 Board Meeting, an ordinance has been prepared to provide a cost of living adjustment to the compensation for Village Clerk following the April 2025 election. The Village Clerk’s compensation was increased by an ordinance adopted on October 29, 2024 from $76,625 to be $107,000 per year.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
N/A
Background
Pursuant to Section 3.1-50-5 of the Illinois Municipal Code, 65 ILCS 5/3.1-50-5, all municipal officers shall receive the salary or other compensation that is fixed by ordinance and salaries or other compensation shall not be increased or diminished so as to take effect during the term of any officer holding elected office.
The Board adopted an ordinance increasing the compensation for the Village Clerk from $76,625 to $107,000 per year on October 29, 2024. This pay increase shall take effect for the Village Clerk who takes office pursuant to the consolidated election to be held in April 2025. The Board directed staff to bring back an amendment to the ordinance to allow for cost of living adjustments over the Village Clerk’s term. The Illinois constitution requires that elected officials shall have a “fixed” rate which necessitates a stated percentage increase that is non-variable.
Ordinances establishing compensation for elected officials must be adopted at least 180 days before the beginning of the terms of the officers whose compensation is to be fixed.
Fiscal Impact
Village Clerk compensation is budgeted in GL 1001.41100.101.510501. By nature, a cost of living adjustment shall result in compensation greater than compensation budgeted in the preceding year. Subject to the adoption of the ordinance, funds shall be provided for in the FY26, FY27 and FY28 Budgets.
DEI Impact
Compensation for elected officials is tied closely to accessibility, representation, and public trust. Higher or more competitive compensation for elected officials can improve equity by making public office more accessible for individuals from diverse economic backgrounds. Transparent discussions regarding compensation can build public trust, however, if pay adjustments are seen as excessive or unjustified, it can foster resentment or perceptions of inequality.
Alternatives
The Village Board could amend the proposed compensation increase or reject the ordinance.
Previous Board Action
The Board adopted a resolution amending the compensation for the Village Clerk on October 29, 2024. The Board previously discussed this item pursuant to a motion by Trustees Wesley and Straw on October 22, 2024.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A