As recommended by County Board Chairman Andy Wheeler, the Kankakee County Board finance committee slashed the pay for the board chairman Wednesday.

Wheeler was all for it – having his pay reduced in favor paying for a full-time finance director.

Wheeler says “it’s time to reduce the pay for the County Board Chairman.” Wheeler had suggested such a move before he was chairman. He wanted to free up money to pay for the newly-created finance director position.

Wheeler’s chairman’s pay is slashed $12,000 this year. It’ll be cut more in the next two years.

The finance director’s (Anita Speckman) pay starts at $75,000.

The finance committee (Wed) also suggested pay hikes for other office-holders. The sheriff, treasurer and county clerk will see 2% pay increases. Wheeler said those offices haven’t seen increases in the last few years.

The finance committee suggestions will be forwarded to the full county board.

94.1 WGFA