Sturtevant Administrator Suggests Reducing Hours to Help Balance Village Budget

Sturtevant Village Administrator Mark Janiuk first distributed a list of cuts, savings and revenue ideas in late April to help village trustees balance the 2012 budget in the face of severe reductions in state shared revenue. One of his ideas included the possibility of cutting his own hours and salary by a quarter.

It wasn't until the Tues., June 28, Committee Meeting that Janiuk was asked directly if taking that step was something that he would be willing to consider.

"We've been talking about this off-and-on now for a while," said Trustee Daryl Lynaugh. "But we've never asked you, Mark, is this something you want or are okay with?"

"It's ultimately up to the board," Janiuk answered. "But no, I would not mind."

Janiuk's hours and salary had already been reduced from full- to three-quarter time for 2011. His contract expires at the end of the year. The alternatives for the village could be the elimination of the position or advertising for a new adminstrator.

"Reducing his hours is what Mark wants and it benefits the village," said Trustee John Johnson. "We are not ready for a new, full-time Administrator so negotiating with Mark is the best bet."

Reducing Janiuk's hours and salary will save the village $15,000 toward closing a $194,000 gap in the budget for 2012.