Buffalo Grove village manager gets 15 percent raise, plus bonus

Buffalo Grove Village Manager Dane Bragg will receive a nearly 15 percent salary hike this year, along with a $15,000 bonus, under a measure approved Monday by village trustees.

The vote raises Bragg's base pay from $221,375 last year to $254,581. Next year, his salary is scheduled to increase to $267,310. Bragg earned a base salary of $192,500 in 2016. The terms coincide with a four-year contract with Bragg that trustees approved last year.

Village President Beverly Sussman assured residents at Monday's village board meeting that Bragg's performance results in savings that more than justify his compensation.

She cited several cost-cutting initiatives created by Bragg, including the outsourcing of maintenance work at the village's two golf courses. That's led to a savings of $800,000, Sussman said.

Sussman also credited Bragg with the negotiation of new collective bargaining agreements with fire and police unions, generating $180,000 in annual savings to the employee group health plan.

"We thank you for all of your accomplishments and everything you have done for the Village of Buffalo Grove," Sussman told Bragg.

Other accomplishments cited by Sussman include the negotiation of an economic incentive agreement with Business IT Source to establish its main office and distribution facility in the village, estimated to generate an additional $4 million in net sales tax over a six-year period.

She also noted the landing of a Woodman's Market grocery store and Bragg's involvement with community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Buffalo Grove.

"I appreciate the confidence of the board. It's very humbling," Bragg said after trustees approved the pay hike.

He also recognized village staff members for their role in the work cited by Sussman.

"We have an amazing team, and I really appreciate each and every one of them and their support throughout the years," he said.