7 Percent Raise Approved For Arlington Heights Village Manager

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — As the village continues to prepare for a potential move of the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights, one of the people overseeing the multimillion proposed project will receive a bump in pay. The salary of Randy Recklaus, village manager since 2014, will increase by 7 percent following approval by the Arlington Heights Village Board on Monday night.

Recklaus's salary will increase to $263,272, according to the meeting's agenda. It will extend his employment through Nov. 26, 2026.

"In recognition of his outstanding performance of duty, in particular over the last year, but over the course of his eight years now as village manager, the Village Board unanimously decided to not just endorse his performance of duty, but also to increase his compensation," Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes said.

Hayes said that under the village manger's employment agreement, the Village Board is required to conduct an annual performance evaluation. The most recent evaluation was conducted on Nov. 21 in a closed session with Recklaus in attendance, according to Hayes. He said the new salary for Recklaus is similar to those of other area village managers.

Additionally, an automobile allowance provided to Recklaus was increased by $100 to $600 per month.

Hayes touted Recklaus's financial/budgetary management (four years straight of reserve percent property tax levy) and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Thirdly, his leadership in terms of the Arlington Park redevelopment, over the past year in particular, but over the whole year-and-a-half we've been working with both Churchill Downs and the contract purchaser [has been outstanding]," Hayes said. "His leadership has just been critical to this effort."