Burr Ridge Mayor Finds No Backing For Raise

BURR RIDGE, IL — Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso has yet to find support on the Village Board for increasing his salary to $30,000, from $6,000 currently.

At last week's board meeting, members Guy Franzese and Tony Schiappa expressed reservations about the mayor's proposal, which would take effect with the new term in May.

In the last few days, resident Patricia Davis emailed all the trustees asking about their views on the pay raise and whether the idea should go on the ballot for an advisory referendum. She shared their answers with Burr Ridge Patch.

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Trustee Al Paveza called the proposal "out of line," but he said it was the trustees' decision to make.

Trustee Joe Snyder did not support an increase to $30,000. But he suggested increasing the mayor's pay to $12,000, noting it has not gone up in more than a decade.

The $12,000, he said, would be appropriate so the next mayor can receive "some small amount to offset the real time they will have to devote to the village."

Trustee Anita Mital, though, did not state a position.

"At this time, we are still reviewing the letters the Mayor has received and the emails that are being received daily," Mital said in an email. "The residents are sharing their views for and against the Mayor's salary increase. So at this time I cannot answer your questions."

Schiappa and Trustee Zach Mottl were open to placing the salary issue on the ballot.

Last week, the board agreed to make a decision at next Monday's meeting.

Under state law, a governing body must decide on elected officials' salaries six months before their new terms begin. In Burr Ridge, that will be May 10.

Grasso was mayor from 2009 to 2012 and was elected again in 2019. He has not announced whether he is running for another term.

In early October, Grasso sent a public letter explaining the need for a raise.

Most area mayors earn little, with their job considered part time. Those in Hinsdale and Western Springs make nothing.