Urbana Council Backs Raises for Elected Officials

Elected officials in Urbana will receive graduated annual raises through the year 2016.

The city council voted 6-2 Monday night to provide no raises next year, but 1-percent in 2014, and 2-percent raises each of the next two years.

A memo distributed by Mayor Laurel Prussing last month cited a gradual recovery in property values and other revenue sources, asking for what she calls modest increases, with a still uncertain financial future.

Alderman Charlie Smyth voted down the plan, saying he wasn’t against salary increases, but the principal of percentage-based raises.

“The rich get richer using that scheme," he said. "I don’t necessarily agree that somebody who makes $100,000 needs a $3,000 increase and somebody who makes $50,000 only deserves a $1500 increase.”

Alderwoman Heather Stevenson also voted down the salary increases, saying the city couldn’t afford them.  The vote means Mayor Prussing’s salary will go from $61-thousand 643 this year to just under $64,774 in May 2016. The raises also apply to the city clerk and alderpersons.

Serving as the Cunningham Township Board, the council also approved the same raises for Township Supervisor, Township Clerk, and Township Assessor by the same 6-2 vote.