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Committee advances proposal to raise Rock Island County board chair pay to about $30,156
Summary
The Finance & Personnel Committee voted to forward a resolution proposing a new County Board chair salary of $30,156, following staff analysis of peer counties and three calculation methods; members debated part‑time vs. full‑time expectations for the role.
The Rock Island County Finance & Personnel Committee on April 14 advanced a resolution proposing a new salary for the County Board chair that would place the position at about $30,156 annually.
County Administrator Jim Grafton presented three approaches used to calculate the proposed pay: (1) averaging compensation across nine counties, (2) scaling an hourly rate to a 30‑hour workweek, and (3) applying non‑union percentage adjustments used for similar county roles. "So, the $30,156 is in the proposal," Grafton said while explaining the calculations. The committee voted to forward the measure (motion: Kai Swanson; second: Brian Vyncke) to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.
Committee members discussed the intent and potential consequences of increasing the chair's compensation. Committee Chair Dr. Luis Moreno said meetings and outside obligations routinely push the role beyond a nominal part‑time schedule. Member Kai Swanson said the county should prioritize a part‑time chair supported by a full‑time professional administrator and raised concern about future elected chairs who may be unable to meet a 30‑hour expectation. Member Brian Vyncke urged an annual review process rather than ad hoc increases.
The committee’s vote was advisory; any final change would require action by the full board and adherence to the county’s formal adoption process.
