By Kayla Johnson
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) -The East Peoria City Council advanced an ordinance on first reading that would raise the salary for a full-time mayor who also serves as the city’s chief executive, handling duties normally assigned to a city administrator.
Under the proposed ordinance, that salary would rise to approximately $128,000. Mayor John Kahl currently makes $104,735 as a full-time executive, according to city documents.
The increase would not take effect until May 1, 2027, after the next municipal election. The higher salary would only apply if the city does not employ a city administrator.
If a city administrator is hired during a mayor’s term, the mayor’s pay would revert to the prior pay structure. The ordinance also requires the full-time mayor to devote full time to the position and prohibits holding other employment.
Some argued the arrangement has saved the city money, noting that hiring a city administrator could cost more than $160,000 a year.
Not all council members supported the measure. Commissioner Dan Decker voted no, linking his opposition to unresolved issues elsewhere in city government.
“By fixing one without fixing the other causes me concern and I believe that will cause concern for a lot of employees as well,” Decker said. “So, for that reason I am going to vote no. If we can come up with a plan for the fire department, I would love to support this here in two weeks.”
Mayor Kahl abstained from the vote, objecting to Decker’s remarks.
“I find the comments from commissioner Decker absolutely insulting and the fact that we are bringing up collective bargaining negotiation items in a public meeting nauseates me,” Kahl said. “I’m abstaining, I’m not voting on this.”
City staff recommended approval of the ordinance. The council voted to advance it on first reading. A second reading and final action are expected at the council’s next meeting Aug. 4.
If ultimately passed, the ordinance would set compensation terms for whoever serves as full-time mayor after the 2027 election, so long as East Peoria continues operating without a city administrator.
Comments