LaSalle County panel approves $40 minimum wage for permanent nursing-home RNs

The LaSalle County Salary and Labor Committee voted unanimously on Aug. 26, 2026, to set a minimum wage of $40 per hour for permanent registered-nurse positions at the county nursing home. Chair Steve Aubrey presided over the vote after representatives from the nursing-home committee presented market data and cost estimates supporting the change.

Don Sinclair Davis, introduced to the committee as representing the nursing-home committee, said the county currently averages about $35.78 per hour for RN pay and is roughly at the 25th percentile among local competitors. "So I'm asking for this committee to approve the $40 per hour wage for the RN," Davis said, arguing the higher starting wage would support recruitment of county-employed nurses and reduce reliance on agency staff. He told the committee the nursing home has three RNs (one on leave), 14 RN positions of which about 35% are filled by county employees, and six long-term contracted nurses plus additional temporary agency staff.

Davis said the county's total agency nursing spend averaged roughly $50,983 per month and estimated that if permanent staffing were increased under the $40 wage, agency spend could fall to about $28,000 per month, producing an approximate $22,000'$23,000 monthly savings. Committee members clarified PRN rates have been as high as $45 per hour and noted PRN roles typically do not include benefits.

Committee members also debated timing: Davis asked for an immediate start to aid recruiting, while others urged that the motion or accompanying language make clear how the county's regular annual increase language (a 3% increase noted to start 12/01/2026) would interact with the new starting wage. Committee member Tina moved the measure; the committee recorded six ayes on a roll-call vote and the motion passed. The committee did not record any dissenting votes or amendments in public session.