Out of Washington’s 11 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, keeping Washingtonians safe and operations running smoothly.
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.
Washington’s annual compensation report for 2025-26 breaks down how its $35.6 million budget is divided among employees, including base salaries, health insurance, uniform allowance, vacation days and sick days.
Here is a look at which Washington employees have the highest salaries for the 2025-26 fiscal year, according to the compensation report.
1. Joanie Baxter, finance director
As the city’s finance director, Baxter crafts Washington’s annual budget and oversees how the various city departments spend their portion of the money. Baxter is budgeted a base salary of $148,273, according to the total compensation report. Like many city employees, Baxter’s salary increased from the 2024-25 fiscal year, moving her up two spots on the list since that year.
2. Dennis Carr, city engineer
Carr, who handles the city’s construction projects including improvements to streets and sewers, comes in third on the list with an annual salary of $144,908.
3. Mike McCoy, former chief of police
McCoy, who retired May 5, had a budgeted base salary of $144,740 for his work leading the Washington Police Department this fiscal year.
4. Brian Rittenhouse, public works director
In his work directing Washington’s public works, Rittenhouse primarily supervises city roads and manages needed improvements to streets, waste and sewers. Rittenhouse has a salary of $122,550, according to the compensation report.
5. Jeff Stevens, deputy chief of police
Organizing and directing projects within the police department and serving as an advisor to the chief of police, Stevens is paid $120,987 yearly. In addition, he earns $1,000 for uniforms. He was recently named interim police chief after the retirement of McCoy.
6. Jon Oliphant, planning and development director
Oliphant enforces city codes, issues permits and directs the implementation of the city’s overall plans. For 2025, his salary is $117,623, according to the city’s compensation report.
7. Steve Smith, sergeant
Smith, a sergeant in the police department, is paid $98,111 for his annual salary. His uniform allowance totals $890.
8. Ryan Hunsinger, sergeant
Also listed as a sergeant, Hunsinger earns the same salary of $98,111 as Smith. His uniform allowance is just below Smith’s at $790.
9. Daniel Foster, patrol officer
Foster’s annual salary is listed as $96,982, according to the compensation report. Foster is provided $790 for uniforms.
10. Brian Simpson, sergeant
Sgt. Simpson earns $95,982 yearly, according to the compensation report. Simpson is allotted $790 for his uniform allowance.
11. Jacob Cernek, sergeant
Sgt. Cernek earns $96,834 yearly, according to the compensation report. Cernek is allotted $790 for his uniform allowance.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: See which 11 city of Washington employees earn the most in 2025
Reporting by Christina Avery, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
