Township Secures Mental Health Funding Reimbursement; Supervisor Addresses Check Fraud Issue

Washington Township Board Meeting | December 1, 2025

Article Summary: Washington Township officials reported the receipt of over $14,000 in reimbursements for its mental health program and updated the board on administrative financial changes. Supervisor Mike Stanula also addressed a fraudulent check incident involving a vendor.

Financial and Program Key Points:

• Program Funding: The township received a $14,246.40 reimbursement from the City of Joliet for the Thriveworks Mental Health Program.

• Check Fraud: A check from Prairie Materials was deposited into a fraudulent account; the vendor is resolving the issue via insurance.

• Modernization: The township is transitioning to ACH payments for vendors to reduce paper check usage.

During the Washington Township Board meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, officials provided updates on the financial health of local social programs and administrative operations.

Clerk Joe Burgess reported that the township received a reimbursement of $14,246.40 from the City of Joliet for the Thriveworks Mental Health Program. Burgess noted that funds will be put back towards the program. The township intends to apply for a Will County grant in January 2026 to help fund the program for the upcoming year.

Supervisor Mike Stanula updated the board on a financial anomaly involving Prairie Materials. Stanula reported that a check received from the company was deposited into what is believed to be a fraudulent account. He clarified that Prairie Materials will be responsible for determining how the error occurred and will turn the matter over to their insurance company.

Stanula also outlined steps to modernize the township’s financial transactions. He has been working with the township’s bank to set up ACH payments for many vendors.

“This will eliminate sending checks and any paper checks that need to be processed,” Stanula said, noting that township approval will still be required before payments are cashed.