Board Approves Pay Raises to $19/Hour to Retain Staff
Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | Nov. 2025
Article Summary: To remain competitive with other local entities, the Washington Township Board voted to increase the starting pay for the Office Coordinator/Bus Driver and Township Operations Director positions to $19 per hour. The board also discussed strategies to reduce reliance on outside consultants for assessment work.
Washington Township Staffing Key Points:
-
New Rate: Starting pay increased to $19 per hour for key part-time positions.
-
Rationale: Trustee Paul Goldrick cited the need to pay fairly to retain staff and limit liability regarding the township bus driver.
-
Assessor Support: The board discussed utilizing office staff for data entry to reduce costs associated with an outside consultant currently assisting the Assessor.
The Washington Township Board of Trustees on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, unanimously approved a motion to increase the starting pay for the Township Operations Director and Office Coordinator & Bus Driver positions to $19 per hour.
Trustee Paul Goldrick introduced the motion, expressing concern that the new hire for the Operations Director role was underpaid compared to other local entities. Goldrick argued that fair pay is essential for long-term retention.
The board also agreed that the Office Coordinator & Bus Driver should receive the same increase. Goldrick emphasized that the bus driver position is “key,” requiring specialized training and serving as a safeguard against liability while transporting local residents.
Assessor’s Office Support
The board also discussed personnel within the Assessor’s office. Supervisor Mike Stanula asked Assessor Pat Peters about the hours worked by Mary Tamez, who has been assisting Peters since 2021. Stanula noted that Tamez is an “expensive consultant” and inquired about ways to offset her time.
Peters explained that the quadrennial assessment required by the county every four years makes the workload impossible for one person to complete. She noted that Tamez is helping her learn new segments of the PAMSpro Assessor’s program.
The board suggested that current office staff could assist with drawing or data entry tasks to help reduce the Assessor’s workload and the hours required of the consultant. Peters agreed to look into utilizing office staff as needed but maintained that Tamez remains a valuable resource due to her extensive experience.
Latest News Stories
WATCH: LA leaders, lawmakers discuss wildfire legislation
‘Fraud tourists’ plead guilty in Minnesota fraud case
Illinois lawmakers push uniform election reporting to enhance voter confidence
GOP leaders eye second DHS funding stopgap after Dems reject White House offer
Texas sheriff proposes bipartisan solution to border issue
Mills fires back at Oz threats of federal intervention
Trump warns Canada over bridge, deal he says will eliminate hockey
Chicago aldermen discuss delayed payments, cash flow issues
FBI named high profile man ‘co-conspirator’ to Epstein, files show
Lawmaker: Conversion therapy funding ban ‘hypocritical’ amid youth gender care doubts
Poll: Americans skeptical of Trump’s 10% credit card cap
Illinois Quick Hits: FEMA says no to Illinois disaster declaration
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for Jan. 6, 2026