Township Councilmen Approve 2011 Salary Ordinance

Washington Township councilmen unanimously approved the 2011 salary ordinance Monday night, which is much earlier than last year when .

The ordinance increases most township employees' salaries by 2 percent, which represents a cost of living increase. One notable exception is the position of acting township administrator. to bring it more in line with surrounding municipalities.

Instead of receiving $90,780 for 2011, Chin will receive $64,000. Because the council decided to cut her pay in early March, Chin will be paid a higher rate for the first two months of the year.

During the public hearing on the salary ordinance, township resident Michael Ullman asked why job performance wasn't taken into consideration when putting together the salary ordinance. He noted that most employees get a 2 percent increase so good work is not rewarded.

Members of the council said they understood his concerns. Council President Fred Goetz said merit pay would be considered next year.

"Unfortunately as a council we don't have any grading system for their service at this point," Vice President Steve Cascio said, explaining that councilmen don't get reports from department directors about specific employees. "I'm in favor of pay on merit and not just showing up for the job each and every week."

Mayor Janet Sobkowicz said she hoped the township was moving more toward merit based increases, but added that employees have to pay 1.5 percent for medical coverage so the 2 percent salary increase isn't as much as it might seem.

Ullman also asked about non-employees receiving benefits from the township. Goetz explained that a new state law requires that a person work for the township for at least 35 hours a week to be eligible for benefits.

Sobkowicz added that she is writing a new policy that states any employee hired or switched to full time after May 1 will only be eligible for single coverage for benefits.

2011 Salaries: