Aronsohn the Lone 'No' Vote on Management Incentive Ordinance

The council on Wednesday –up to 4 percent of salary at the end of the year— which will be in effect in 2011 and is retroactive to 2010. Councilman Paul Arohnson has been the sole critic on the dais, it effectively demonstrated a lack of leadership in a time of unprecedented financial challenges and layoffs.

The ordinances, which had been discussed before and approved , set minimums and maximums for salaries of non-union employees.

For example, the Village Manager must be paid between $115,815 and $190,000, and is the highest paid position in the village. Other roles, like the Village CFO, Director of Operations, Village Engineer, Director of Community Services, Fire Director all range from a minimum of $86,305 to as much as $159,747. Numerous other jobs in management range from $65,000 to $128,872. Police and Fire Chiefs have a maximum range of $180,000, but no minimum salary.

Virtually every other non-union position has also been locked– from EMTs ($19.38 an hour in their third year) to parking violations officer (between $43k and $51k) to Project Pride Laborers (between $8.28 and $12.42 per hour) and the mayor (maximum $5,000 and no minimum).

Some of the occupations remain 'fixed' on the books, but have not actually been filled after layoffs in 2010.

What those in management do get, however, is up to 4 percent of salary, retroactive from January of 2010 and 2011, out of a pool of over $84,000. The managers would need to go through reviews from Village Manager Ken Gabbert, who would make a recommendation as to what percentage– if any –is earned. The incentive 'raises' would be subject to council approval.

Deputy Mayor Tom Riche and Gabbert have touted the move as a new model in government, a way to mimic some of the better aspects of the private sector. Numerous municipalities have inquired about the program in interest, Gabbert has said.

Councilman Aronsohn was the lone dissenter Wednesday night, while Mayor Keith Killion, Deputy Mayor Riche, Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh and Councilman Steve Wellinghorst all voted for its passage.