State Funds Could Mean Hefty Raise


	Print or Email This Page State Funds Could Mean Hefty Raise July 06, 2006 Bloomington Pantagraph (IL) By Mary Ann Ford BLOOMINGTON -- McLean County Public Defender Amy Davis could be getting a $44,846 salary increase and yet save the county money. The state’s 2006-2007 fiscal year budget, which started July 1, includes money to reimburse counties for two-thirds of the public defender’s salary if that salary is at least 90 percent of what the county pays its state’s attorney. Currently, the county pays Davis’ entire annual salary of $94,643. If her salary was bumped to $139,489 — 90 percent of State’s Attorney Bill Yoder’s $154,987 salary — the county only would have to cover $46,450. The remaining amount would be covered by money allocated in the state’s budget. By making the change, the county would save $48,193 annually. Despite the potential savings, the idea did not receive the support of all members of the County Board’s finance committee Wednesday. Members Dave Selzer and Ben Owens voted against recommending the salary increase to the board. "This would be the second highest paid office," Owens said. Several members expressed concern that the state would follow through with the reimbursement, but County Administrator John Zeunik said the money is earmarked for public defenders in the budget. "It only applies to 37 people (in the state)," said Assistant County Administrator Terry Lindberg. The state reimbursement requires the public defender to be full-time. "I agree it’s all taxpayers’ money," said committee Chairman Matt Sorensen. "But here’s a news flash: If you leave the $50,000 in the state, they’ll spend it and it won’t be in McLean County." The recommendation will go to the County Board on July 18. Davis could not be reached for comment.
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