Peoria Standard

The City of Peoria’s elected officials won’t get a new pay raise for the next four years due to a new salary freeze put as the city is facing revenue losses from the economic crisis created by restrictions related to COVID-19. .

The pay freeze will affect the salaries of the city clerk, treasurer, the mayor and all city council members, according to coverage by the Journal Star. 

“I don’t believe we have had an increase in our salary since I got on the council seven years ago,” At-Large City Council member Beth Jensen was quoted as saying by the Journal Star. She said she would oppose any increase in their salaries even without the pay freeze.

The council’s members are currently paid $16,500 a year, as well as a $400 monthly vehicle allowance, according to the Journal Star. They are also eligible for some of the same benefits as city employees, including opting to participate in the city’s health insurance plan and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.

Mayor Jim Ardis makes $58,451 with a $475 vehicle allowance, according to the Journal Star. He has received a 2% raise every year out of the last four years. 

When Ardis first took office in 2013, the mayor’s salary was $37,800, but that amount was raised substantially during Ardis’ first term in office.

City Clerk Beth Ball’s salary will freeze at $118,778, and City Treasurer Patrick Nichting’s salary will freeze at $123,529, according to the Journal Star.

“I can only speak for my recommendation that took into consideration the current situation with the city’s budget and recovery time for the economy as a result of the COVID pandemic,” Ball was quoted as saying by the Journal Star.

A survey of regional cities by City Manager Patrick Urich concluded that most were opting to not increase salaries this year, according to the Journal Star.