Elmhurst Debates Pay Raises Amid Budget Troubles

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst aldermen differed Monday over how much to increase workers' pay to stay competitive. Some cited the city's budget problems.

Late last year, the City Council increased its property tax levy by $1 million and cut spending by $3.6 million. And in 2024, it hiked water rates by nearly 30 percent.

This year, a consultant studied the pay for dozens of city positions, comparing wages to those in other towns. The consultant found that Elmhurst's pay was 12 percent below market.

At a City Council meeting, aldermen debated a committee's recommendation to ensure employees' wages were higher than 75 percent of the market.

One committee member, Alderman Dan Virgil, recommended going with 65 percent. He said that would save $35,000 over three years, compared with the 75 percent option.

When he campaigned for council last year, he said residents repeatedly expressed concern about Elmhurst's rising cost of living.

Virgil said his recommendation balanced staying competitive and providing savings.

Alderman Noel Talluto, who heads the committee, disagreed. She said the city has long followed the 75 percent policy, which officials said was unwritten.

Cutting the percent, she said, would send the wrong message to employees and increase costly turnover.

Alderman Mike Brennan said he entirely backed Talluto's position, saying reducing the percentage would be a "demotivator" for employees.

"There is no way to smooth that out," he said. "I do not want to be part of something with such small payback to disrupt the motivation here at City Hall."

However, Alderman Michael Bram countered that if the difference was so small, it's hard to believe it would have a substantial effect on turnover.

He said the message was not only to employees, but also to residents, who have seen rising property taxes and water bills.

"In regard to employee morale, it's more than just dollars and cents," Bram said. "It's the environment that you come to work every day. It's the people that you're with. It's the job that you're in. There are so many components regarding employee morale."

The council voted 9-4 for the higher amount for raises, with aldermen Virgil, Bram, Rex Irby and Karen Sienko dissenting. Alderwoman Emily Bastedo was absent.

After the vote, Mayor Scott Levin said he was strongly in favor of the majority's position.

The raises are retroactive to Jan. 1.