Out of Washington’s 12 highest-paid employees, more than half are part of the public safety force, specifically the city’s police department, and the others work in administration and public works departments.
Illinois statute requires city governments to publicly post a list of employees earning more than $75,000 in total compensation each year. The Journal Star reviews these reports and shares them with readers for transparency and knowledge of how taxpayer money is allocated and spent.
Here is a look at which Washington employees have the highest salaries for the 2026-27 fiscal year, according to the compensation report.
1. Jeff Fiegenschuh
As Washington’s city administrator, Fiegenschuh oversees daily operations, implements council policies, manages staff and prepares the annual budget. He earns an annual salary of $180,000.
2. Dennis Carr
In his role as city engineer, Carr handles the city’s construction projects, including improvements to streets and sewers. He collects an annual salary of $150,705.
3. Jeff Stevens
As the chief of police, Stevens leads the Washington Police Department. He earns an annual salary of $145,600.
4. Paulette Hurd
Hurd serves as Washington’s finance director and directs all municipal accounting, financial reporting and treasury management. She collects an annual salary of $130,000.
5. Brian Rittenhouse
As Washington’s public works director, Rittenhouse primarily supervises city roads and manages needed improvements to streets, waste and sewers. He has a salary of $127,416.
6. Jon Oliphant
Oliphant enforces city codes, issues permits and directs the implementation of the city’s overall plans in his role as Washington’s planning and development director. He collects an annual salary of $122,275.
7. Steve Smith
Smith serves as one of Washington’s deputy chiefs of police and earns an annual salary of $117,393.
8. Brian Simpson
Simpson is also one of Washington’s deputy chiefs of police and collects an annual salary of $116,968.
9. Ryan Hunsinger
As a sergeant in Washington’s police force, Hunsinger earns an annual salary of $103,400.
10. Daniel Foster
Foster also serves as a sergeant in Washington’s police force and collects an annual salary of $102,056.
11. Steve Hinken
Another sergeant in Washington’s police force, Hinkin earns an annual salary of $102,056.
12. Jacob Cernek
Cernek is also a sergeant for the Washington Police and is paid an annual salary of $100,736.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Here are the highest-paid Washington public employees for 2026
Reporting by Josh Jenke, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
