Illinois statute requires municipalities that participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund to publicly post a list of all employees making more than $75,000 in total compensation.
The Journal Star is reviewing those public documents and sharing contents of the reports with readers for transparency. Pekin’s compensation report includes annual salary; education and other premiums; holiday payouts; allowances for equipment and uniforms; and stipends.
Here are the 13 highest salaries for Pekin employees for 2025-26, according to the city’s annual compensation report. The report has not been posted on the City of Pekin website, but copies are available for public viewing at Pekin City Hall at 11 S. Capitol St. or by emailing Pekin city clerk Nicole Stewart at nlstewart@ci.pekin.il.us.
1. John Dossey, city manager
Dossey is the city’s highest-paid employee, earning an annual salary of $184,862, according to Pekin’s compensation report. As Pekin’s city manager, he is the administrative head of the municipality and responsible for its day-to-day operations, implementing city policies, preparing and submitting budgets to the City Council, personnel management and delivering city services.
2. Seth Ranney, police chief
Pekin’s police chief, Ranney collects an annual salary of $146,404, and an annual $1,100 equipment and uniform allowance for a total compensation of $147,504.
3. Trent Reeise, fire chief
As Pekin’s fire chief, Reeise oversees the fire department’s administrative, fiscal, and operational aspects. He collects $147,154 annually in total compensation, including his $146,404 salary and a $750 equipment and uniform allowance.
4. Courtney Hutchinson, deputy police chief
Hutchinson is one of Pekin’s two deputy police chiefs. Hutchinson earns an annual salary of $135,795 and a $1,100 uniform allowance for a total compensation package of $136,895.
5. Anthony Rendleman, deputy fire chief
Rendleman collects a $135,795 annual salary and a $750 equipment and uniform allowance, adding up to $136,545 in total compensation.
6. Brian Willmert, deputy police chief
A deputy police chief, Willmert’s total compensation package consists of his $135,795 annual salary.
7. Eric Dubrowski, finance director
Dubrowski serves as the city’s finance director and earns an annual salary of $133,900, which is his total compensation.
8. Simon Grimm, public works director
Grimm’s annual salary and his total compensation as Pekin’s public works director is $130,000.
9. Robert Jones, police lieutenant
A lieutenant with the Pekin Police Department, Jones collects a $125,768 total compensation package. That includes a $124,668 salary and an $1,100 uniform and equipment allowance.
10. Matthew Kirk, police lieutenant
Kirk’s annual salary as a police lieutenant is $124,668. He also collects an $1,100 uniform and equipment allowance to boost his total compensation to $125,768.
11. Justin Rabe, police lieutenant
As a police lieutenant, Rabe collects a $124,668 annual salary and an $1,100 uniform and equipment allowance for a total compensation of $125,768.
12. Matthew Damron, police lieutenant
Damron is a lieutenant with the Pekin Police Department. His $125,768 in total compensation consists of a $124,668 annual salary and an $1,100 uniform and equipment allowance.
13. Joshua Bush, police lieutenant
Pekin police lieutenant Bush’s annual salary is list as $124,668. He also collects an $1,100 uniform and equipment allowance for a $125,768 total compensation package.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Pekin’s highest-paid employees: 13 who make $125,000 or more annually
Reporting by Mike Kramer, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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