Fox Valley Magazine and Kanecountyconnects.com
In a narrow (12-11) but bipartisan vote last week, the Kane County Board voted to increase the salaries of board members and certain county officials by over 20%. The increase will apply to individuals in office in November of this year, and will take effect in December.
The raises come in the context of an uncertain financial climate for the county, with potential tax hikes floated as a possibility in recent years only to be withdraw prior to elections.
The increases were recommended by a three-person ad hoc compensation committee.
The compensation for the offices of the Kane County Auditor, Circuit Clerk, Coroner and Recorder were all set at $109,242 per year, with a 2% annual increase for the following three years. These increases take effect in December 2024 when the newly elected individuals take office. Salaries for these full-time positions have remained flat since 2013.
Currently, the Circuit Clerk makes $90,655, the Recorder receives $89,507 and the Coroner and Auditor are paid $88,214.
The County Board also voted to set the annual compensation of the future 24 elected County Board members at $30,000, an increase of $5,000. The County Board pay adjustment takes effect in December 2026.
Board members in Lake County make $43,018 a year, DuPage County Board members make $52,102 a year, and McHenry County Board members make $23,000.
The Kane County Board Chairman’s position will remain at $105,000.
Comparably, the County Board Chair in DuPage is currently paid $131,559, Lake County Board Chair receives $97,408 and in McHenry County, the Chairman is paid $82,200. All three counties also employ a full-time County Administrator. Kane County does not have an Administrator position.
The County Board determines the salaries of its members, its Chairman, the Circuit Clerk, the Auditor, County Clerk, Coroner, Recorder of Deeds, Sheriff and Treasurer. The State of Illinois determines the salary of the State’s Attorney based on the population of the county he or she serves.
The Kane County board had until June 3, 2024 to set salaries for future elected board members and countywide elected officials who appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
