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University Park board opens discussion on proposed pay increases for mayor, trustees and clerk
Summary
The Village Board discussed an ordinance to raise stipends for elected officials — including proposed trustee pay of $20,000–$25,000 and a mayoral stipend near $45,000 — and agreed to seek updated compensation comparisons and relevant statute language before moving forward.
University Park’s Village Board debated a proposal to raise compensation for elected officials during its June meeting, with the mayor and several trustees urging updated data and statutory review before any change would take effect.
Mayor Rud proposed that trustees be offered $20,000–$25,000 and suggested a mayoral stipend around $45,000, saying any increase would not take effect until the next term: "you cannot give yourself an increase while you're in public office ... it wouldn't take effect until after the next election." He framed the idea as a way to reflect the time elected officials spend representing the village and to attract candidates who can serve full time.
Trustees questioned the scale and timing. Trustee Griffin and others asked for current comparative figures from the South Suburban Mayors and Managers survey to justify proposed levels, noting the board’s existing figures are several years old. Trustee McMullen and others recalled a 2015 pay increase and subsequent repeal that complicated earlier adjustments.
Village Manager Scott told the board he would produce an updated compensation comparison and statutory citations to clarify the legal timing and requirements. Attorney Frasier indicated the law requires any salary adjustments to take effect after the next term, but the board requested a written citation before bringing the ordinance back for action.
Board members said they want more up-to-date benchmarking and public transparency — including the option of a referendum — before advancing an ordinance. The discussion was tabled pending the updated data and legal language.
