Board reviews proposed October performance-evaluation timing and draft 2026 wage/benefit budget

Village staff proposed changing the employee performance-evaluation schedule and procedure and trustees reviewed a draft 2026 wages and benefits budget. The village administrator recommended that supervisors and staff complete a simplified performance form for the review period to encourage coaching and to set one to three SMART goals for each employee; staff proposed moving the formal evaluation date to Oct. 31 to get a fuller look-back period and to avoid holiday-season scheduling conflicts.

Staff emphasized that merit-based pay is no longer tied to evaluations; the evaluation process is intended as a coaching and goal-setting conversation between supervisor and employee. Department heads recommended periodic check-ins (quarterly suggested by police and public-safety staff) so goals are reviewed during the year rather than only at year-end.

Trustees also reviewed the draft 2026 wages and benefits budget. The draft includes a proposed 2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) plus longevity steps and the draft assumed an 11% increase in health-insurance premiums. Trustees asked how the increases translate into average raises at different pay levels; staff explained that averages vary because some roles received prior adjustments and longevity steps are staggered by years of service. Several trustees expressed concern about raising rates while village residential water and utility bills are already high; staff noted wages and benefit increases will be considered alongside the full 2026 budget and levy discussion and that additional information on impacts will be provided.

The board approved the draft wages and benefits budget for inclusion in the broader 2026 budget process and directed staff to return with additional detail on wage distribution, potential alternatives (such as a flat-dollar supplement for lower-paid positions), and how health‑insurance cost increases affect each fund.