Illinois county hires Luther as next administrator

Published on: 7/6/2011

The Peoria County Board in Illinois voted Wednesday to hire Waukesha City Administrator Lori Curtis Luther as its next county administrator.

Luther is expected to begin her new job Aug. 5, Peoria County, Ill., officials said.

She will be paid an annual salary of $145,000 and a $500 per month auto allowance, under terms of a 3-½ year contract approved by the board at a special meeting Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Luther confirmed in a statement that she had been selected for the Peoria County, Ill., post. She did not refer in the statement to conflicts between her and Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima over a Common Council-approved application for Lake Michigan water. In June 2010, the Common Council stripped the mayor of any supervisory authority over her, having her report to and be evaluated by members of the council.

"I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the positive relationship that I have shared with the council, staff and the entire Waukesha community," Luther said. "I am very proud of our accomplishments and will miss Waukesha."

She described the Peoria County job as "an exceptional opportunity to advance my career."

Luther has been Waukesha administrator since 2007 and was paid $115,304 a year.