MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Local Officials Compensation Commission gathered virtually on Feb. 8 for their biannual meeting. The Commission’s five members discussed the salaries for the Township’s elected officials. This includes the salaries of the Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer, Trustees and Park Commissioners.

The first order of business included a unanimous vote for Amy Holda to continue to operate as Commission Board Chair. Holda acknowledged a letter from Supervisor Ron Styka recommending an increase in the supervisor salary to $28,000.

After some debate over what appropriate salary increases would be for the Township’s officials, the Commissioners decided to hold an additional discussion meeting before casting their final votes. This discussion meeting is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 16. A public hearing will be held soon thereafter.

The Commissioners hope that their collective decision will result in well-compensated, highly qualified individuals, while also keeping in mind the 2021 budget that has already been completed. Commissioner Scott Hendrickson wants the quality of the Township’s officials to align with that of the community.

“I don't think we are an average community, and I don't think our leadership in this community should be average either,” Hendrickson said. “We have been remarkably lucky in attracting good candidates to run for office in this Township, and I think that, you know, we want to be able to continue to do so. We want to make sure that we are attracting the best and the brightest that Meridian has to offer.”