Washington Township Graphic.2

Board Approves Pay Raises to $19/Hour to Retain Staff

Spread the love

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Lawsuit demands Pritzker’s office release docs over pic with criminal

Lawsuit demands Pritzker’s office release docs over pic with criminal

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's office has illegally attempted to scrub from the public record photos and other proof that he posed at...
Pritzker announces bond expansion, says progress has been made with Bears

Pritzker announces bond expansion, says progress has been made with Bears

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says progress has been made in conversations with the Chicago Bears. Pritzker announced the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Statewide bag tax proposed

Illinois Quick Hits: Statewide bag tax proposed

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, has proposed legislation to impose a 10-cent fee on carryout bags...

Lawmakers join Chicago Teachers Union to push for more school funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State lawmakers have introduced legislation backed by the Chicago Teachers Union to immediately increase evidence-based funding and...
Illinois proposal makes businesses financially liable for climate change

Illinois proposal makes businesses financially liable for climate change

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A proposal to create an Illinois Climate Change Superfund is drawing sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers...
Illinois unemployment rate tops national average; state ends 2025 with fewer jobs

Illinois unemployment rate tops national average; state ends 2025 with fewer jobs

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Rep. Chris Miller argues numbers tell the story as new U.S. Bureau of Labor...
Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa wants Illinois' counties

Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa wants Illinois’ counties

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Iowa state lawmaker has introduced legislation that would establish a committee to study the potential transfer...
Will County Finance Logo

County Authorizes Financial Study of Homer Glen Law Enforcement Contract

Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Finance Committee voted to authorize a professional study to evaluate the true cost of providing law enforcement services to the...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Will County Public Works Debates Future Bridge Needs as 159th Street Closure Looms

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: A discussion regarding the future deck repair of the 159th Street bridge in Lockport sparked a debate about...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Capital Imp Committee: Veterans Assistance Commission Set to Move into New Facility

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) is scheduled to move into its new headquarters at...
will county board meeting.6

Capital Imp Committee: Health Dept Elevator Repair Costs Significantly Lower Than Estimates

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: A malfunctioning elevator at the Will County Health Department has been repaired for approximately $18,000 to...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Fire Protection District for December 18, 2025

Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | December 18, 2025 The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees met on Thursday, December 18, 2025, to close out the year's business. The...
will county board graphic

Legislative Committee Adopts 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda

Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee finalized and approved the 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, outlining the county's top priorities for Congress. The...
Poll: Majority prefer Trump's immigration policies over Biden's

Poll: Majority prefer Trump’s immigration policies over Biden’s

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square A majority of Americans say they prefer President Donald Trump's approach to border security and immigration than they do former President Joe Biden's, according to...
Illinois eyes smarter park funding: handicap accessibility gets priority

Illinois eyes smarter park funding: handicap accessibility gets priority

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are proposing a change to the way state parks receive funding, one that could...