5% pay raise - anyone else?

The business management of the Woodstock Fire Rescue District usually flies under the radar of taxpayers. While their meetings are open to the public, my guess is that few taxpayers ever show up. The Woodstock City Council attracts many when special interest items are on the agenda; and certainly some of the townships have attracted attention.

But WFRD?

At its May 26, 2011 meeting of the WFRD Trustees, the following actions were taken. The following (quoted) sections are directly from the Minutes of the WFRD meeting.

"For the position of Chief – Motion was made by Trustee Sankey to approve an increase of 5% based upon the current base salary of $124,225.  Trustee Kunzie seconded that motion.  No further discussion was held.  Motion passed.

"For the position of Deputy Chief – Motion was made by Trustee Sankey to approve an increase of 5% based upon the current base salary of $98,500.  Trustee Kunzie seconded that motion.  No further discussion was held.  Motion passed – Trustee Menzel abstained from the motion.

"For the position of Division Chief of Training – Motion was made by Trustee Sankey to approve an increase of 2% based upon the current base salary of $79,720.  Trustee Menzel seconded that motion.  No further discussion was held.  Motion passed.

"For the position of Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention – Motion was made by Trustee Sankey to approve an increase of 2% based upon the current base salary of $57,750.  Trustee Kunzie seconded that motion.  No further discussion was held.  Motion passed.

"For the position of Administrative Assistant – Motion was made by Trustee Sankey to approve an increase of 3% based upon the current base salary of $50,350.  Trustee Kunzie seconded that motion.  No further discussion was held.  Motion passed.

"For the position of Mechanic – Motion was made by Trustee Sankey to approve an increase of 2% based upon the current base salary of $65,000.  Trustee Menzel seconded that motion.  No further discussion was held.  Motion passed."

Most taxpayers probably have no idea of who is paid what at WFRD. Do any interested taxpayers even show up to ask questions about salaries, benefits, perks? For example, are take-home vehicles provided? And, if so, under what conditions? Is there unlimited use, including fuel? In-town only? Out-of-town? Personal use allowed?

Could a good secretary be hired for $25,000/year, instead of $1,000/week? (plus benefits)

During economic times, when many taxpayers have lost jobs and homes, should a taxing district be granting 5% pay raises? On top of what most would probably consider a very generous $10,000/month salary?

Were these increases a responsible decision by the Trustees?