Burr Ridge Official Gets Big Raise, Then Leaves

BURR RIDGE, IL — Burr Ridge's acting finance director got a big raise late last month, then gave her two weeks' notice that she was resigning.

After emerging from a closed session May 24, the Village Board voted unanimously to give the acting director, Amy Nelson, a $15,000 raise, to $125,000.

Four days later, Nelson submitted a two-sentence letter of resignation to the village's interim administrator, Evan Walter, saying she was giving two weeks' notice. She expressed no sentiments about working for the village. Her last day is Friday.

The village's finance director, Jerry Sapp, was placed on leave in early September, though officials have not said why. Sapp, who has been the finance director for a quarter century, is still listed as being in that position on the village's website.

In January, Nelson was appointed acting finance director, getting a 20 percent raise.

Nelson could not be reached for immediate comment Friday. Nor could Walter or Mayor Gary Grasso.

In a statement, Sapp called Nelson's departure a big loss for the village.

"Amy is an outstanding, highly qualified professional who brought a significant amount of talent to the Finance Department," Sapp said in an email. "I always have been a big supporter of hers throughout her career, and I wish her the best in her future endeavors."

The village has asked Sapp to resign or retire, but he has refused. In a memo in April, Sapp said he was told by the village that if he did not leave voluntarily, he would be fired by May 15. He said at the time that he planned legal action against the village.

Sapp declined to comment on his situation with the village. Burr Ridge officials also have been largely silent on the topic.