LaSalle County board approves '3% or $1 per hour' raise for non‑union employees

The LaSalle County Board amended and approved a resolution on June 8 granting wage increases to non‑union county employees for fiscal year 2026–27.

Members debated an amendment to increase the proposed raise from 3% to 5%; the 5% amendment failed on a roll call (12 yes, 14 no). The board then approved an alternative amendment that provides "3% or $1 per hour, whichever is greater" for eligible non‑union employees, with certain positions exempted if their salaries are set by separate boards or collective bargaining.

Board members who supported a larger increase argued for better pay for staff who earn relatively low wages; supporters of the adopted amendment said it balances budgetary constraints with targeted help for lower‑paid positions. The resolution, as amended, was adopted by roll call and will take effect for the fiscal year beginning December 1, 2026.

No specific fiscal‑cost figure was provided in the meeting record; one member estimated the dollar threshold in discussion but the transcript records that total fiscal impact as "not specified." The board instructed staff to implement the pay adjustments per the resolution.