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Board declines to untable ordinance raising election‑judge pay; debate centers on $300 stipend vs training incentives
Summary
After extended debate, the board voted 8–17 to keep a previously tabled ordinance on the table, leaving current election‑judge pay in place while members continued to dispute whether $300 base pay or a training‑tied structure will best recruit judges.
The LaSalle County Board on Jan. 8 considered but did not untable a proposed ordinance that would set a $300 base pay for election judges. The motion to take the ordinance off the table failed by roll call (8 ayes, 17 nays), leaving the current pay structure in place.
County Clerk Jennifer (first name given in the transcript) briefed the board on recruitment challenges and training plans. Supporters of the $300 stipend argued the higher base pay is necessary to recruit enough judges and avoid understaffed precincts; Board member Brayboy said serving as an election judge is demanding and urged full staffing for precinct integrity. Members opposing immediate untabling said they preferred to attach value to training or use a $225 base plus $75 for documented training so the county pays for completed training rather than an unconditional increase.
Board members compared neighboring counties’ pay levels and raised concerns about fiscal impact: one member described projected full participation costs and said a countywide change could raise personnel expenses materially. The county clerk and staff explained training requirements (one training every two years; new poll‑book equipment and messaging features) and said they will continue outreach to party chairs and prospective judges. The board did not adopt a new pay rate at this meeting and left the ordinance tabled for future consideration.
