$8,000 Pay Raise OK'd for Mayor's Job, Effective 2013; Trustees Hike Possible

The winner of the Plainfield mayoral race in 2013 will be getting an $8,000 raise over what Mayor Mike Collins is currently paid today.

Approved in a 4-2 vote Monday night, the Plainfield Village Board authorized the salary to increase from $12,000 to $20,000 -- the first raise since 2003.

The change was recommended by Village Administrator Brian Murphy, who said the village has kept a tight lid on expenses and could afford the relatively small increase given the amount of time the job entails.

"Eight years without an adjustment ... is austerity in and of itself," Murphy said.

The board did not discuss the increase other than to cast votes. Trustees Dan Rippy and Garrett Peck voted against the measure but offered no public explanation for why they rejected the salary hike.

Under state law the board is obligated to approve pay raises for the mayor and trustees 18 months in advance of the next municipal election. Board members are not allowed to vote for pay increases for themselves, Murphy said, although they may benefit from them if they're re-elected in the next election.

Murphy said he anticipated there could be a proposal to raise board member stipends as well. Currently, trustees are paid $100 for every board meeting they attend.

Collins said Monday he has not decided if he would seek re-election in 2013. He estimated he spends about three days a week working at Village Hall.