Story posted Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Pay Hike? No Thanks
Twelve City Administrators Agree To Forego Salary Raise
By TODD WESSELL Journal & Topics Editor
Twelve of Des Plaines' top administrators will not receive pay increases this year, City Manager Jason Bajor decided late last week.
The dozen managers in early May sent a letter to Bajor volunteering that they forego salary increases in 2009 citing the downturn in the national and local economy. Earlier this year, Bajor notified then Mayor Tony Arredia and the city's eight aldermen that he would not accept a pay hike because of the sluggish economy and its impact on the city's financial situation.
It is unknown whether a similar gesture has ever been done by so many top city administrators. Each year, department heads' work performances are evaluated by the city manager who then recommends whether to grant pay increases. Normally, increases are given.
Last week, the Journal & Topics Newspapers reported that Bajor was reviewing whether to accept the department heads' offer to forego pay hikes this year.
"The city will be moving forward with not providing a pay increase for the management staff positions listed…", said Bajor in his letter issued last Thursday.
City administrators who signed the letter agreeing to not accept a pay raise this year are: Mike Conlan, director of Community & Economic Development; J. Michael Duebner, director of Information Technology; Michael J. Earl, director of Human Resources; Randel R. Jaeger, fire chief; Karen Kozenczak, director of Media Services; John Laux, acting director of Public Works; Tim Oakley, city engineer; Sherrill Ornberg, director of Emergency Communications; Jim Prandini, police chief; Kathryn Puetz, director of Health & Human Services; Dave Wiltse, city attorney; and Dorothy Wisniewski, director of Finance.
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