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Council debates CPI-based nonunion pay policy, compensation study
Summary
Councilors discussed adopting a written policy tying nonunion raises to Illinois CPI plus 2% up to a 5% cap, and whether to commission a compensation study for equity; members split over a 5% cap and asked staff to place a resolution on the next regular agenda and pursue a 2025 compensation study for nonunion employees.
The Committee of the Whole on Feb. 11 debated a proposed written policy to set annual pay increases for nonunion city employees using the Illinois Department of Revenue's consumer price index (CPI) plus 2%, capped at 5%.
Alderman Bateman and others argued a maximum of 5% was reasonable and that a predictable policy would help retention. "I like the idea that the mayor came up with...I don't see how this council can sit here and balk over a possible 5% increase because that is the max," Bateman said, noting union longevity steps can result in larger cumulative increases over time.
Others, including city treasurer Conso and several aldermen, said a percentage cap risks widening pay gaps between higher-paid and lower-paid employees and urged either a higher cap or no cap and recommended a compensation study. Treasurer Conso warned that fixed-percentage increases tend to favor higher-paid employees and suggested the council consider a higher limit or no cap and to budget for potential changes.
Council members asked staff to pursue a compensation study for nonunion positions in 2025 so any adjustments could be considered for the next budget. The council directed staff to place the written policy on the regular agenda next week as a resolution; members said the cap and study details can be revised later if needed. No final pay increases were approved at the Feb. 11 meeting; the policy was described as a framework the council can amend in future fiscal planning.
