NILES TOWNSHIP — It has been 13 years since Niles Township trustees last got a raise for their work serving the township. On Monday night, trustees decided to appoint an outside committee whose purpose would be to decide whether or not township leaders are being compensated adequately.

Trustees voted unanimously Monday night to appoint a three-person advisory compensation committee, who will volunteer their time for the service.

Treasurer Jim Ringler said trustees last received a 3-percent salary raise in 2004. That raise was based on what trustees were making in the year 2002. Trustees have discussed forming a committee before. Ringler said it was decided that selecting someone other than trustees to decide their earnings would be the most objective course.

“I think we are all conscious of the fact that it is better to have somebody else look at it,” Ringler said. “And someone else to recommend to us what salary should be for all elected positions.”

Three township residents were chosen for the committee, including Jim Curran, a Berrien County commissioner who serves the 11th District and works as the county’s chairman of the finance committee.

Former Niles Community Schools board member Jeff Curry was also selected for the committee. Curry also has a banking and business background.

The third selected committee member is Roxanne Gunter, who works in human resources for the Cass Family Medical Clinic.

At this time, Ringler said he is working to get relevant job data to the committee for review. In an interview after the meeting, Ringler said he was not yet sure when the committee would start officially operating.

“I think we have got three people that are excellent to do this,” Ringler said. “Those are the three people who will decide whether we have been paid enough, not enough or whether we are overpaid.”

Ringler said trustees will only meet with the committee during their first meeting, so as to help them understand the role of each board member. They will review data about trustees for as long as needed and come back to the board with a recommendation. If a raise is recommended, it is not permitted to be retroactive. 

Ringler said Curran’s name had been suggested for the committee and he then volunteered for the position. Trustees also contacted Curry, who then suggested Gunter.

The Niles Township Board of Trustees are all elected and work part-time. Their pay is not based on seniority.

Salary breakdown:

Supervisor Jim Stover: $22,000 per year

Treasurer Jim Ringler: $20,000 per year

Clerk Terry Eull: $20,000 per year

All trustees: $5,000 per year