Kane County election judges to get raise

GENEVA -- The Kane County Board next week will pass a budget increase to save money.

That may sound backward, but it makes sense in the world of local government financing, when reimbursements from the state are involved.

The board on Tuesday is expected to approve an increase in pay for the more than 1,100 election judges that work for the county clerk's office. The money will raise the pay judges get for their full election day from $120 to $145.

The board will have to approve a $30,000 budget adjustment for the clerk's office to pay the increase. That will bring the amount the clerk will pay election judges to more than $160,000 for the November election.

But by passing the increase, the county assures getting some reimbursement from the state that will more than cover the $30,000 increase. If the board did not pass the increase, it would get no reimbursement from the state.

Linda Mitchell, elections director, said while the state does not officially mandate the election judge increase, "in order for us to get compensation from the state, we have to pass the increase."

Judges work from about 5 a.m. to at least 8 p.m. or beyond on election day. They also put in several hours of training throughout the year. The $145 on election day is their only compensation.