Buffalo Grove Considers Merit Bonuses for Top Performers

Buffalo Grove officials are weighing the benefits of offering bonuses to the highest-performing employees through a proposed “pay for performance” program.

Bonuses would be given to non-union employees who go above and beyond in their roles, according to a plan that Buffalo Grove’s director of human resources, Art Malinowski, outlined Dec. 16 to the Village Board. 

But the village’s elected officials said they need more specifics in place before they can vote on such a plan.

Village administrators last month had not finished establishing an evaluation process that would be used to measure employees’ performances. Some trustees also said they’d like to restrict the number of staff members who could qualify for bonuses. Trustee Steve Trilling suggested that the village might limit the incentives to the top 5 percent of its staff.

Trustee Beverly Sussman, who has voiced opposition to such a plan in the past, said her position has not changed. 

“When I interview people to fill a job vacancy, I will explain the job, expectations and salary,” she said. “I don’t say, ‘But if you really do a good job, I’m going to give you more money.’”

Others also voiced concerns, but indicated they might be more open to such a program. 

“People who always take on more … should be recognized,” Trustee Mike Terson said. But he and Trustee Jeff Berman agreed that such programs are generally implemented in the private sector, where businesses can use profits to fund the incentives.

Officials said they plan to revisit the proposal during a committee of the whole meeting in the spring.