State Treasurer Dan Rutherford speaking at his Pontiac offices/WJEZ file photo

By The Associated Press

A published report says outgoing Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford gave pay raises to dozens of employees over the past year.

The Springfield State Journal-Register reports that raises for the 25 nonunion employees ranged from 8 to 36 percent. Rutherford's office also awarded nearly $90,000 dollars in one-time payments to 35 nonunion employees at the end of October. That includes his former cheif of staff who received an extra $10,000 payment.

Rutherford spokeswoman Mary Frances Bragiel says the salary increases and one-time payments were based on performance, job changes, and added responsibility. Union officials have criticized the move.

Rutherford's single term as treasurer ends next month. He elected not to seek re-election and launched an unsuccessful campaign for governor. Treasurer-elect Mike Frerichs won the office over opponent Tom Cross in one of the closest elections in Illinois history. So far, Frerichs hasn't commented on the Journal-Register story.