About Us

Washington Township is located in Eastern Will County and is 35 miles south of Chicago and borders the state of Indiana on its eastern boundary.

The township is home to approximately 8,000 residents and covers nearly 45 square miles and includes the entire Village of Beecher, plus thousands of acres of prime farmland.

Washington Township receives emergency services from the Beecher Fire Protection District, the Beecher Police Department (village residents) and the Will County Police (rural residents). The township is located entirely within the Beecher Community School District #200.

Washington Township is governed by a Township Board which is comprised of a Township Supervisor and four Trustees, other non-voting township officials include the Clerk, Assessor and Highway Commissioner.

The registered voters of the township elect the Supervisor, Trustees, Clerk, Assessor and Highway Commissioner every four years during the Consolidated Elections.

All officials serve four-year terms.

What is the function of Township Government in Illinois?

By law, Illinois townships are charged with three basic functions:

1) General assistance for the indigent

  • Townships may provide assistance (food, shelter)
  • Emergency relief for needy people until they are able to support themselves. 
  • Contact the Supervisor to see if you qualify for General Assistance. 

2) The assessment of real property for the basis of local taxation

  • Townships establish the value of all real estate property in the township. 
  • Township assessors are the ONLY elected governmental official who must pass approved courses of instruction before standing for election to office. 

3) Maintenance of all roads and bridges outside federal, state, and other local jurisdiction.

  • The Washington Township Road District maintains over 70 miles of roads.