It pays to be pals with Todd Stroger.
The soon-to-be unemployed Cook County Board President doled out raises to no less than 10 political appointees and staffers after the board enacted a pay freeze in December, according to a report requested by commissioners worried about Stroger’s free wheeling ways during his lame-duck months.
He also hired six top-level employees to salaries between $95,000 and $150,000 since losing the February primary, according to the Chicago Tribune. Those salaries were above the limits listed in the budget.
The biggest raise went to his chief financial officer, who received a $54,000 raise to $230,000, according to the Sun-Times.
But this time the prez wasn’t alone. Other Cook County officials rewarded staffers with pay increases despite the freeze.
Forrest Claypool promoted staffer Sarah Cochran to chief of staff and gave her a $20,000 raise to boot.
Claypool said his office would correct the salary change if it was found to be in violation.
Update: This story has been corrected to change the amount of Sarah Cochran's compensation.
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