Will County Gazette

Will County Board members will consider salary increases for the county's elected officials after more than a decade of stagnant pay.

Though salaries are set before a general election, Board member Ray Tuminello proposed this year that the process change because it's been more than 10 years since the board authorized a pay increase. 

“We need to find out what these jobs really are worth,” Tuminello said.

Tuminello said salary raises should be individually decided due to specific responsibilities, not based on what another official makes. Board members set salaries for countywide officials including executive, clerk and sheriff. Salaries are often based on what surrounding county governments pay.

Finance Committee Chair Ken Harris said Will County’s elected officials earn less than officials in surrounding counties. The executive and clerk earn approximately $93,000 a year in Will County, while similar officials in other counties make more than $100,000, Harris said. The sheriff makes approximately $110,923 a year, less than the border counties’ sheriffs. 

“The population is increasing,” Harris said. “More responsibility is coming upon the sheriff.”

Board members agreed that a raise was warranted with growing duties as the county has grown in 10 years.

Member Jim Moustis, opposes the salary raises on principle because elected officials knew the pay they’d be receiving when they ran for office. However, he said he is open to a modest increase not based on neighboring counties.

The Will County Board will discuss the matter further during its May meetings.