Elected officials to get 4-percent raises

The Morris City Council, at Monday night's regular meeting, set salaries for elected city officials. Since elected officials cannot receive raises during their term, the pay increases will take affect after the April 2009 general election. Alderman Brian Feeney of the Finance Committee said the mayor and city clerk would receive 4 percent annual increases over the four-year term. As liquor control commissioner, the mayor will also receive $15,000 annually. Starting May 1, 2009, the mayor's salary will be $71,550, or 4 percent over the current pay. On May 1, 2010, the salary will go to $74,420; May 1, 2011, $77,400; and May 1, 2012, $80,500. "The mayor is our city administrator. Most communities pay the mayor and a city administrator," Alderman Feeney said. He added that some area administrators make $100,000 or more. Following the April election, the city clerk will be paid $63,135, starting May 1, 2009, also a 4-percent increase. On May 1, 2010, the salary will be $65,350; on May 1, 2011, $67,650; and on May 1, 2012, $70,000. Salaries for aldermen will be $5,300 from May 1, 2009, through April 30, 2011; and $5,800 from May 1, 2011, through April 30, 2013. Following the April 2011 election, all aldermen will then be paid an additional $25 for each committee meeting they attend. Alderman Feeney explained it did not make sense for the four aldermen elected in April 2009 to receive the $25 per committee meeting while the other four aldermen did not receive the payment. After the April 2011 election, all eight aldermen will receive the $25 per committee meeting. The ordinance establishing the salaries was approved on a 7-1 vote, with Alderman Don Matteson opposed.