CHICAGO (AP) — Hundreds of elected county officials throughout Illinois — including some who earn more than $100,000 despite working only part time for a portion of their careers — enjoy far more generous pension plan benefits than those offered to other government workers, according to a published report.

The Chicago Tribune reported Sunday that lawmakers tightened the rules in the late 1990s, but not before about 750 people joined a pension plan that allowed them to reap benefits otherwise reserved for elected county officials. More than 500 of the 750 people who joined the pension plan have since retired, according to the Tribune, including 17 whose initial pensions were more than $100,000.

The paper reports that under the Elected County Officials plan, known as ECO, elected officials qualify for 80 percent of their pay after just 20 years with the county. The amount is based on the elected official's last paycheck and not, as is the case with most government workers, the last four years of their employment. The plan also allows those enrolled to benefit far more from big pay hikes late in their careers.