The Washington Township Board of Trustees focused on employee compensation and infrastructure needs during its August 4 meeting, approving a comprehensive overhaul of its wage structure and job descriptions. The changes are designed to bring all positions in line with the state’s $15 per hour minimum wage and to offer more competitive pay and hours for bus drivers. For more details, see the full story on the township’s wage structure review.

In other business, the board addressed the failure of the township center’s 25-year-old furnace, which will be replaced after a repair attempt failed and set off a fire alarm. Trustees also voted to support a resident’s request for a Special Use Permit to build a barn on a 5-acre property on E. Corning Road. The board approved all monthly bills and heard routine reports from township officials.

Asphalt Paving Awaits County Contract
Road Commissioner Michael Smith reported that scheduled asphalt work in the township is on hold. The township is waiting for its contractor, Iroquois Paving, to receive the finalized contract from the Will County Department of Transportation before a start date can be announced. In the meantime, the highway department is actively working on tar and chip projects and spray patching throughout the township.

Property Tax Adjustment Factor Lowest in Six Years
Assessor Pat Peters announced that the Will County property tax adjustment factor for the current year is set at 1.0520. She noted this is the lowest the factor has been in six years and ranks as the fifth lowest in the county. Peters also confirmed she will be available to meet with residents at the upcoming Resource Fair.

New Security Cameras Installed at Township Center
Supervisor Mike Stanula reported that new security cameras have been successfully installed at the township center, and all officials have been given access to the camera app to view live feeds. The project is nearly complete, with only the installation of a replacement part for an interior door lock remaining before the work is finalized.

Township to Host Annual Resource Fair
Clerk Joe Burgess announced that the 3rd Annual Washington Township Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, August 9, starting at 9 a.m. at Firemen’s Park in Beecher. Assessor Pat Peters will be in attendance to speak with residents and answer questions regarding property assessments and other related matters.

Board Approves Over $56,000 in Monthly Bills
The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the payment of all bills for July, totaling $56,599.66 across all funds. The approved amounts included $545.95 for General Assistance, $14,591.54 from the Town Account for payroll and operational expenses, and $41,462.26 from the Road and Bridge Account for maintenance, materials, and payroll.