Frankfort Township employees will receive a 2.5% cost-of-living pay increase after the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the adjustment at its Monday, May 19 meeting. The move came as Supervisor Nick George detailed a slate of significant ongoing projects, including the continuous remodeling of senior housing units, upgrades to township facilities, and plans to solicit bids for a new food pantry.

The board voted in favor of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) following a motion from Trustee Jessica Kot, which was seconded by Trustee Hillary Kurzawa. The unanimous approval signals board support for retaining township staff amid rising inflation.

Following the vote, Supervisor George provided a comprehensive update on several key township initiatives. He reported that the remodeling of the Autumn Valley Senior Housing units is proceeding, with apartments being systematically upgraded as they become available.

“Autumn Valley Senior Housing units are getting remodeling as the units become available,” George informed the board. “We will be installing new cabinets, flooring, showers, and we will be painting each unit.”

This work addresses a critical community need, as the township reported a 100-person waiting list for the properties at its April meeting.

The township is also investing in its own facilities. George announced that work is underway on the maintenance garage roof and that the building will be painted to match the color of the Frankfort Township Hall, creating a more uniform look for the municipal complex. The focus on improving township property was praised by Judge Ben Braun, who was present at the meeting. After thanking the board for allowing the Kiwanis Club to use the town hall, he added he was “happy about the improvements on the Old Town Hall.”

Perhaps the most significant new initiative is the development of a new food pantry. Supervisor George stated that the township is “working on bidding for the new Food Pantry,” a project that would mark a major expansion of its direct services to residents in need.

Further reports from other elected officials highlighted the township’s recent activities. Assessor Joe Kral noted the success of a recent shredding event, which drew over 200 cars and prompted a need for better traffic management in the future. Highway Commissioner Bill Carlson informed the board that the department’s tax levy is prepared for review next month and that the popular branch pickup program will conclude on December 15 or after the first significant snowfall.