The Watson Township Board Thursday evening adopted a resolution approving 5 percent pay increases for all elected local officials.
Supervisor Ken Travis, who noted the inflation rate for 2022 was set at 8.5%, reported that the annual salaries for Clerk Kelli Morris, Treasurer Stephanie Calder and himself bill be $13,282 each. The treasurer will get an extra stipend for work of tax billing and the clerk added pay for election work.
Trustees were reported to be receiving $2,079 per year, plus per diem pay for meetings.
Townbroadcast reported two years ago, in March 2021, Clerk Kelli Morris and Treasurer Stephanie Caulder were granted raises of 36% each, from $11,499.96 annually to $15,650, an increase of $4,154. Travis was scheduled to get a 10% hike in pay, from $11,499.96 to $12,650.
Then-township trustees Jack Wood and Michelle Harris were to receive salary increases of 10 percent, from $3,960 annually to $4,620, and $165 per meeting.
In other business at Thursday evening’s meeting, the Township Board:
- Received a request for zoning ordinance enforcement at 2163 114th Ave. on a complaint of a junk car violation. It was passed along to the zoning enforcement officer.
- Announced that the annual Cleanup Days will be Saturday, May 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7.
- Agreed to continue to meet on the first Thursday of each month during fiscal year 2023-24. There are three exceptions — they will meet June 8, July 13 and Feb. 8, in all three cases the second Thursday.
- Tabled a request by Caulder to forbid renting the township hall when business hours are being observed, particularly Monday evenings.
- Accepted the low bid of $2,000 from Reynard Williams to install magnetic door locks that use key cards.
- Learned from Martin Fire & Rescue Chief Kurt Knight that Lt. Earl Wykstra, a longtime member of the department, has resigned his officer’s post, but will continue as a firefighter. Ryan DeMann has been chosen as his successor.
