Top Hinsdale Official Gets 15% Raise

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale's village manager is getting a 15 percent pay raise, retroactive to May.

On Tuesday, the Village Board increased Kathleen Gargano's salary to $270,000. That's up from $235,777, her pay since late last year.

"This adjustment was long overdue," Village President Greg Hart said in a message to Patch. "When I reviewed the market data, it was clear that over the last decade, our Village Manager's compensation had not kept pace with comparable communities across the region."

Hart said that in his previous work with towns across the Chicago area, he learned firsthand that Gargano was highly respected among her peers.

"The Board's action last night brings her compensation in line with the market and ensures Hinsdale remains competitive in retaining top municipal talent," said Hart, who was elected in April.

At the meeting, Trustee Luke Stifflear said he was "very supportive" of the raise.

"I think Kathleen's done an excellent job," he said.

Trustee Alexis Braden added, "You work so hard, you take my calls at 7:30 in the morning."

Gargano said it was a privilege to work with the village's elected officials to serve Hinsdale residents.

Gargano became the village manager in September 2013.

She was the assistant village manager for Wilmette from 1997 to 2013, according to her LinkedIn page. Hinsdale and Wilmette are among the wealthiest towns in Illinois.

She has her master's degree in administration from Northern Illinois University.