Available SitesGrave Prices & FeesBusiness ResourcesChild Safety Seat ProgramCitizen FeedbackCommunity Profile2001 Comprehensive PlanD.A.R.E. ProgramDowntown SquareEnterprise ZoneAPPLY NOW!GIS & MapsOutside Water UsagePart - Time Police UnitSpeed Watch LocationsProtecting Our TeensRevolving Loan FundSchool Resource ProgramSidewalk and Curb Replacement ProgramSnow Route InformationGarbage & RecyclingSpecial ProgramsPersonnelTax Increment Financing (TIF)Training and Certifications

Grave Prices

• Additional burials on the same grave site will be charged a $100 multi-use fee in lieu of purchasing a separate grave site. This fee will be charged at the time of need.
• A maximum of three interments per grave site is allowed to consist of: one traditional and two cremation burials; or three cremation burials.
• A down payment is required of one-half the total cost for grave sites that are purchased prior to the time of need. The remaining balance may be paid in 3 equal monthly installments. Failure to make required payments or to pay in full within 90 days will result in forfeiture of the unpaid grave sites.

Interment Fees

Additional $100 for services that begin after 2:00pm.

Additional burials on a gravesite, will be charged a $100.00 multi-use fee, in addition to the interment fee, in lieu of purchasing a separate grave. This fee will be charged at the time of need.

Disinterment Fees

If disinterment is requested, the fees will be double the interment fees as indicated above.

Trading or Exchanging Graves

There shall be a fee for trading sites or lots, which shall be as follows:

• $50 for exchange of 1 - 4 grave sites
• $75 for exchange of 5 - 8 grave sites
• $100 for exchange of 9 grave sites or greater

Prices & Fees structure approved via ordinance on June 1, 2021 
Website updated March 28, 2023.

The City of Washington works closely with many development partners.

Each of these organizations can provide assistance to businesses small and large. The following links will provide more specific information on the services they can provide for your business:

• Greater Peoria Economic Development Council 
• Washington Chamber of Commerce 
• Bradley University’s Turner Center for Entrepreneurship 
• Illinois Small Business Development Center 
• SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business 
• SBDC International Trade 
• Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) 
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
• Illinois Department of Employment Security 
• Illinois Department of Transportation 
• Tri-County Regional Planning Commission 
• Ameren 
• MTCO 

Child Safety Seat Program Inception

Nationally, child restraint misuse has been reported to be in excess of 80%. Child restraint manufacturers make a wide variety of designs that create incompatibility issues with different vehicles. As well, automobile manufacturers have a wide range of vehicle safety restraint systems that can also add to the incompatibility problem. Typically, law enforcement seeks change through enforcement of applicable laws. The Washington Police Department wanted to address this problem in a more positive and educational manner and have certified Officers and others as Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The certification is obtained by attending a 32-hour course established by the National Child Passenger Safety Board.

The Program

The Washington Police Department encourages parents and caregivers to come into the Washington Police Department for a "check-up" of their child's restraint seat. Technicians will educate and assist you in your installation of the child restraint. Please call the Washington Police Department's non-emergency number at (309) 444-2313 to schedule an appointment. A "check-up" normally takes one half-hour and parents and caregivers are asked to bring their owners manuals for both their vehicle and child restraint seat to the "check-up". Although not mandatory, parents and caregivers are also asked to bring the child using the seat to the "check-up" to ensure proper fit. Child restraints can also be installed for expectant families and newly purchased seats. Occasionally, the Washington Police Department may host Child Safety Seat Check-Up Events. These events are advertised locally and no appointments are required for these event days. Events are designed to educate the public and provide a community service. Events are usually held on a Saturday at a location within the City of Washington. A technician from the Washington Police Department will be on hand and will check your child restraint to make sure:

• Your seat is installed correctly
• Your seat has not been recalled
• Your seat meets safety standards
• Your seat is correct for your child

Parents and caregivers are again asked to bring their vehicle owner's manual, child restraint manual and child to the event. For further information please contact Officer Mike Brown at (309) 444-1110.

Chief McCoy wants and needs citizen feedback and commentary regarding the Washington Police Department.

If any of our citizens have a problem, concern or a suggestion we will make every effort to assist them through one of our many special programs. We are aware that our citizens have an expectation that if and when a crime occurs in our community, the Members of the Washington Police Department have the necessary skills and ability to resolve or address the concerns expressed to them. Because the Police Officers in Washington are highly trained, compassionate and motivated, the clearance rate for crimes in our community is exceptionally high. In addition to our special programs, we maintain & enjoy positive communications and interactions with citizens in order to effectively confront the problems facing our community and society today.

Mike McCoy - Chief of Police
Office Phone Number - 309.444.1113
Email - mmccoy@ci.washington.il.us

Adopted April 16, 2001

Background

The Washington Comprehensive Plan is the result of nearly four (4) years of extensive work by a volunteer citizen Planning Advisory Committee, City Planning Commission, consultant CH2MHILL, and City staff.

The plan replaces a previously adopted 1981 comprehensive plan and 1994 land use map.

The plan incorporates a vast amount of public input as a result of acceptance of written comments, cooperation of other local taxing bodies and authorities, and an open house held in January 2001. Over 150 interested persons from the general public attended this open house and submitted dozens of written comments. In February, the Planning Advisory Committee reviewed the public’s comments and made final revisions to the draft plan. The Washington Planning Commission reviewed the draft plan shortly thereafter and sent its recommendation for approval to the City Council. On April 16, 2001, the Washington City Council officially adopted the 2001 Comprehensive Plan.

General Description

The Washington Comprehensive Plan is a long-range guide to assist public officials in directing future growth and development in the community. The Comprehensive Plan is not an ordinance but a reflection of the community goals and objectives as expressed by the people of Washington.

The City has developed this plan as a statement for Washington’s future. Although occasional revisions will be necessary from time to time, the primary goal of the consultant, planning staff, and the citizen advisory committee was to prepare a solid plan that would lay down the foundation for community planning decisions for the next 10 to 20 years.

The Washington Comprehensive Plan should be consulted regularly by public officials and staff, municipal boards and committees, developers, local agencies and organizations, land owners, business people, and all residents of the community as they consider actions which may impact the future of Washington. The plan seeks to:

• Establish long-range goals and objectives to guide decision-making processes regarding site-specific issues.
• Guide future development and redevelopment of Washington in a manner consistent with the ongoing changes in economy and society.
• Establish policies guiding future annexation decisions.
• Guide decisions regarding development approval and infrastructure and community service investment.

Full-color copies are available to purchase at City Hall for $20 each or click on the link below to download free of charge.

2001 Comprehensive Plan

What Is D.A.R.E.?

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive prevention program designed to equip elementary school children with the life skills to recognize and resist social pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. This program was designed and created in the early 1980’s by Los Angeles, California Chief of Police Daryl F. Gates. The 17-lesson D.A.R.E. core curriculum is taught by specially trained, uniformed law enforcement officers, which provides for a unique relationship between the officers and the students. This interaction promotes a positive role model identification as well as a healthy bonding with a trusted adult. Officer Dramane Taylor currently serves as the Washington Police Department D.A.R.E. Officer. If you have any questions about our D.A.R.E. program please feel free to contact Officer Taylor at 309.444.1148.

What Are The Goals and Objectives Of D.A.R.E.?

The primary goal of D.A.R.E. is to prevent substance abuse among school age children. The D.A.R.E. program targets children at an age when they are most receptive to drug prevention education and before they are likely to have experimented with tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. D.A.R.E. seeks to prevent adolescent substance abuse, thus reducing the demand for drugs. The D.A.R.E. curriculum focuses on the following objectives for student learning.

• Provides the skills for recognizing and resisting social pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
• Helps enhance self-esteem.
• Teaches positive alternatives to substance abuse and other destructive behaviors (particularly gangs and violence).
• Develops skills in risk-assessment, decision making and conflict resolution.
• Builds interpersonal and communication skills.

Who Receives D.A.R.E.?

The D.A.R.E. core curriculum is delivered to fifth grade students in all of the grade schools in the corporate limits of Washington.

What Is Included In The Core Curriculum?

The core curriculum "emphasizes a no-use message" which is life-skills based and focuses on peer pressure resistance training, self-concept improvement, personal safety and decision-making skills. A wide range of teaching techniques - including interactive peer leadership and cooperative learning groups - are used to encourage student participation and response. The curriculum is updated to keep it responsive to current research findings, modern teaching methods and emerging social concerns regarding drugs and violence.

Who Is Eligible To Teach D.A.R.E.?

To teach the D.A.R.E. program, the individual must:

• Be a full-time sworn, uniformed police officer.
• Have two years of prior law enforcement experience.
• Undergo a screening process which includes a personal interview.
• Upon successful completion of the screening process, the D.A.R.E. officer candidate attends an 80-hour D.A.R.E. Officer Training to become a certified D.A.R.E. instructor.

Washington’s historic downtown square is located at the intersection of Main Street and Business Route 24.

Century-old buildings housing dozens of storefronts surround a public park at the center of the square. The one-third acre park features pedestrian walkways, lighting, benches, tables, and beautiful landscaping all around a seasonal water fountain at the heart of the downtown area.

The Washington Square Historic District was designated by the City Council in 2016.
Washington Square Building Design Guidelines were also approved in 2016.

The square was established in 1834 as a part of the Original Town and the first commercial sector in the city (for more early history, click here). As with many older downtown areas, the square no longer serves as the City’s service and institutional center, but still remains an important area of retail and office activity. Specialty shops and restaurants serving primarily a tourism market now characterize the square. Retailers include antiques, crafts, gifts, sporting goods, stationery, jewelry, cosmetics, a candy store, and more. Other businesses include a florist, grocer, liquor store, pub/tavern, gas station/auto service, several restaurants, and many offices such as realtors, attorneys, banks/financial groups, insurance agents, and chiropractic.

In addition to the wide variety of businesses, the downtown square has several other strengths including the presence of the Chamber of Commerce, a strong residential base, recent redevelopment projects, and historic value to the community. The square is located within Washington’s Enterprise Zone and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District #2. We urge you to visit Washington’s downtown square and see first-hand what our community has to offer residents, visitors, and prospective businesses.

For more information contact the Planning & Development Department at 444-1135 or the Washington Chamber of Commerce at 444-9921.

Phase 1 Engineering - Historic Downtown Square Proposed Streetscape Improvements - Concept Plan; Square Plan; Streetscape Elements; Open Space Elements; FAQ's Comment Sheet

Downtown Square Location Map

Downtown Area Locatiion Map

TIF 2 District (Downtown Square) Map

The Illinois Enterprise Zone Act took effect in 1983.

An Enterprise Zone is a specific area designated by the State of Illinois, in cooperation with a local government, to receive various tax incentives and other benefits to stimulate economic activity and neighborhood revitalization.

Enterprise Zones are administered at the State level by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. In Washington it is administered by the Community Preservation and Development office.

The Northern Tazewell County Enterprise Zone encompasses over 2.5 square miles and was certified on January 1, 2016. The Zone has placed an emphasis on commercial retention and expansion as well as industrial development.

An Enterprise Zone is a specially designated area in which tax incentives and direct financial assistance can be provided to firms locating or expanding in the Zone. The purpose of the Zone is to encourage economic development and to increase employment opportunities.

The following is a summary of the most often asked questions on incentives offered through the Illinois Enterprise Zone Program in general and the Northern Tazewell County Enterprise Zone Program in particular.

Northern Tazewell County Enterprise Zone...providing opportunities for local business expansion and development.
-- Zone benefits now available through 2030 --

Benefit Summary

Local incentives:

• Sales Tax Deduction (100%) on building material and equipment purchases associated with a building improvement project.
• Property Tax Abatement: A 5-year property tax abatement that takes effect upon the completion and closeout of the project and when the first year the property is 100% assessed.  This covers five full years and starts in the year when the project is fully assessed.  This applies to the increase in the assessed value attributable to the new construction, renovation, or rehabilitation.  Please note that a partial assessment may be applied if a portion of the project is completed based on the applicable rates for that portion of the structure at the time of the assessment.
• Building Permit Fee Reduction (50%) on filing and value fees.
• Utility Connection Fee Reduction (50%) for new water and sewer service connections.

State incentives:

• Investment Tax Credit (0.5%) against State income tax for the value of investments in qualified property.
• Income Tax Deductions – dividend subtraction and interest deductions.
• Industrial Revenue Bond financing option.
• Participation Loan financing option.

Project eligibility standards:

• Property MUST be located within the Enterprise Zone.
• MUST be Commercial or Industrial project.
• Project MUST be remodeling, rehabilitation, or new construction of the nature and scope for which a building permit is required and obtained.

For more information regarding EZ benefits contact:

Jon Oliphant at 309-444-1135 

Email - joliphant@ci.washington.il.us

Fax - 309-444-9779

For a complete listing of our available positions and the opportunity to apply, please navigate to:

https://ciwashington.aaimtrack.com/jobs/

About the GIS Mapping System

The City of Washington Geographic Information System (GIS) is used not only to maintain community-wide maps, but is also used for daily planning, zoning, code enforcement, engineering, economic development, and other activities across multiple departments.

Interactive Map

The City of Washington's interactive map give the public access to local information such as School Districts, Alderman Wards, TIF Districts, Enterprise Zone, Zoning, Parks, and more! Land records, or parcels in the map contain information such as Property Identification Numbers (PIN), site address, size, and assessment information maintained by Tazewell County. There are a number of tools within the map that allow users to search for locations, change the look and feel of the map, make measurements, or create custom outputs. Whether you are interested in quick land records reference, or just exploring locations within the City, the interactive map is easy to use, easy to access, and provides a wealth of information available to you. Check it out and let us know what you think!

VIEW THE INTERACTIVE MAP

Printable Maps

Certain maps are available to the public to view and print from this website. All maps listed below are in PDF format. Please note the sizes listed; not all printers can handle ledger-size printing, unless reduction is possible. Paper versions of some larger maps are available by request at City Hall (for a modest fee).

VIEW PRINTABLE MAPS

Purchase GIS Data or Maps

Several GIS layers, with the exception of proprietary infrastructure data, are available for purchase and custom maps are available for purchase from the Planning & Development Department according to the following fee schedule. To purchase data or request a custom map, contact the Planning & Development Department at the contact information listed above. Digital data will be delivered by email when possible or provided on a flash drive.

Digital GIS Data

* Excluding proprietary infrastructure data. Each layer sold separately.

Custom Prints/Maps (in addition to the above data fees)

Fee Exceptions

The City of Washington does not give sewer credits for water used for landscaping purposes or swimming pools.

However, an additional "water only" meter may be purchased at City Hall. This meter will register outside water usage, and there will not be a sewer charge assessed. A minimum bill amount will be applied for usage less than 850 gallons. Contact City Hall at 309-444-8292 for current meter pricing.

The City of Washington’s Part-time Police Unit is currently staffed with 10 state certified, sworn members of the department who work part-time hours throughout the year.

All members of this unit have completed the same state-mandated Police Academy curriculum as their full-time counterparts. The Part-time Police Unit was previously called the Auxiliary Police Unit which has been an active part of the Washington Police Department since the early 1930's and has undergone many changes and developments during the past eight decades.

The purpose of the Part-time Police Unit is to augment the officers of the Washington Police Department by performing such tasks that would include but are not limited to:

• Traffic and crowd control at the City's numerous events all year long.
• Public relations at City and civic events.
• Patrolling the Washington Park District's and the City parks enforcing the Park District and City ordinances.
• Patrolling the school grounds, enforcing after hours trespassing and loitering ordinances.
• Foot patrols in the City's Historical Square Business District and shopping districts.
• Seasonal bicycle patrol on the Bike Path, The Square Business District, Shopping Districts, and designated neighborhoods.
• Patrol with a full-time officer as a "second officer"
• Processing, booking and transporting arrested persons.
• Public relations assignments at the direction of the Chief of Police.
• Assisting the Washington Police Officers with duties such as vehicle lockouts, animal control, enforcing local ordinances and parking enforcement.
• Emergency police service during times of disasters and local emergencies at the request and direction of the Chief of Police.
• Conducting fingerprinting services for persons residing and/or working in the City.
• The performance of such other support functions, as may be assigned by the Chief of Police.

Washington Part-time Police Officers must work during the busy summer months when the City has many activities and events requiring the unit. Shifts are usually on evenings and during the summer months. Part-time Officers are expected to work major holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day as well as City of Washington events, along with numerous parades and many other mandatory assigned events.

Recruitment Information:

The Unit is comprised of people from all walks of life and varying backgrounds. In general, most people interested in becoming a member of the Unit do so for two distinct purposes. There are people who want to give something back to the community and have an interest in law enforcement; however, they are successful and secure in their full-time profession and have no desire to become a full-time officer. Others join to gain experience and a better knowledge of policing to help them decide if becoming a full-time officer is truly a desired career choice.

Currently, certified officers can apply for part-time positions by downloading an application packet or picking one up in person at the Department.  If you have any questions about the Part-time Police Unit, please contact Sergeant Simpson via email (bsimpson@ci.washington.il.us) or by calling (309) 444-1173.

With the increasing flow of traffic that we are experiencing due to our continued growth we continue to receive multiple calls regarding speeding at different locations within the city.

In an effort to slow traffic in these areas, we have designated ‘speed watch enforcement locations’ and will be monitoring these areas in order to gain speed compliance.

Below are locations that have been identified as problem areas based on the number of calls we receive. If you are experiencing problems with speeding autos in your area please let us know and we can add them to this list. We would also like to hear how this monitoring system is affecting your area. Please contact us at 444-2313 or Click Here to be directed to a contact form.

• Kingsbury Road - between Dallas Road & N. Cummings Lane
• Dallas Road - Newcastle Road & the bridge
• Kern Road - between Wilmor Road & S. Cummings Lane
• Main Street – north from R.R. tracks to Easy Street
• Main Street – south from the Square to Guth Road
• Cummings Lane – south from Business Route 24 to City Limits
• Cummings Lane – north from Business Route 24 to W. Cruger Road
• Cummings Lane – north from Route 24 Bypass to Oak Ridge Park
• Santa Fe – between Oak Ridge & Nofsinger Road
• Jadens Way - between Nofsinger Road & N. Cummings Lane
• Cruger Road – between N. Cummings Lane & N. Main Street
• School Street – between Route 8 & Centennial Drive
• Devonshire Road – between N. Main Street & W. Cruger Road
• Westminster Drive – between Hampton Road & Dallas Road
• Lexington Drive – between School Street & Summit Drive

The Washington Police Department recognizes that parents face special challenges when their children become teenagers.

Rules For Teen Parties:

• Set guidelines beforehand.
• Encourage small parties, with invited guests only.
• An adult should be present throughout the party.
• Alcohol should not be served or allowed. It is unlawful for any person to give alcohol to a person under 21 years of age.
• Anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return.
• Notify your neighbors beforehand.
• Contact parents of the party-giver.
• Know how your teen will get to and from the party.
• Emphasize the time your teen will be home.
• Be awake when your teen arrives home.

Remember that Curfew for persons under the age of 17 is 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Curfew/State Teen Driving Curfew

Persons under the age of 17 years must be home by 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and by 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday. The City of Washington's curfew ordinance is the same as that of the State of Illinois. Please note that there is a new State curfew for teen drivers aged 16 & 17, that became effective January 1, 2008. A nighttime driving restriction is in place Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and Friday & Saturday, 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. For more information on the State Driving Curfew, please visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.

Revolving Loan Fund Application

Summary/Planned Projects to be Financed

Through a revolving loan fund (RLF) created with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development— Rural Business Development Grant funding as well as financial contributions from various City lending institutions, the City of Washington will be able to provide gap or partial financing to small- and medium sized businesses who have demonstrated a financial need and want to expand, create, or relocate a business to Washington. The purpose of the program is to help create or retain jobs and assist in providing businesses with the opportunity to expand.

An applicant for RLF funding must be a corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship that has established a financing need that cannot be met through other funding sources. The fund is intended to leverage funding available through commercial lenders.

Eligibility Requirements

• Businesses must be for-profit and have a brick-and-mortar location (no home occupations).
• Home occupations are eligible if the funding would be utilized to establish a new business location.
• Businesses must be located east of Ernest Street due to USDA geographic criteria.
• Businesses should retain and/or create jobs as a result of the loan.
• Existing businesses shall not be overdue on any sales tax filing statements (if applicable).

Eligible Projects/Priorities

• Acquisition of real estate, either land and/or buildings
• Purchase of new or used machinery and equipment
• Support for the use of new technologies, growth industries, and/or high-tech firms
• Inventory and working capital
• Small business development, including start-ups

Length of Loan

The maximum length of any loan will be 10 years. However, the RLF evaluation committee can allow a term up to 15 years on a case-by-case basis.

Interest

The interest rate for monies secured through this program shall have a fixed rate of interest of 3%. Occasionally, the RLF evaluation committee will change this rate depending on cash flow needs on a case-by-case basis or changing market trends.

Basic Loan Structure

The Washington RLF is intended to complement traditional lending institutions or other financing sources in the financing of the project. RLF participation cannot exceed the lessor of 40% of the total project cost or $20,000. The remaining 60% or more must be provided through a combination of a lending institution, other financing sources, and/or equity investment. The applicant will contribute a minimum cash or acceptable equity injection in the amount of 10% with the remaining financing provided by a lending institution.

Collateral Requirements

Adequate collateral is required of all applicants. This may include a building mortgage, liens on machinery and equipment, life insurance, and/or current assets of the applicant.

Personal Guarantees

The Washington RLF will obtain personal guarantees of those who have 20% or more ownership of the applicant.

Fees

A one-time not-to-exceed fee of $200 will be assessed against all loans at the time of closing. This helps offset all legal services required in the drafting of loan documents by the USDA Rural Development office. The only other application fee is for the United Commercial Code filing.

Project Evaluations

The Washington RLF Committee will conduct a thorough review of the applicant’s financial paperwork. Funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The City of Washington may schedule an onsite visit to the business to allow the committee to fully understand the current and future business operations.

Following approval of the loan by the RLF Committee, the City of Washington will prepare the necessary paperwork to submit to the USDA Rural Development Office in Galesburg, Illinois. The USDA Rural Development Office will make the final determination whether to approve or deny the request. If the loan is approved, funds are sent to the City of Washington RLF account. The City of Washington will then contact the applicant and make arrangements to disperse the funds.

Policies Regarding Delinquent RLF Accounts

The City of Washington will refer delinquent accounts to the Washington RLF Committee for action when all routine methods for solving the delinquency have been exhausted. The RLF Committee will regularly, and no less than annually, review the status of delinquent accounts. When in the opinion of the committee and the Washington City Attorney there is no likelihood of collecting the debt, the committee shall vote to remove the account from the City of Washington’s accounting records and any existing security interests may or may not be released.

In 1999, the Washington City Council, the Washington High School district and the Washington Police Department formed a partnership to help identify the issues and problems that face Washington’s youth.

At that time, the Washington Police Department initiated a special program during the 1999-2000 school year by securing a grant to hire an additional Police Officer that would be assigned to Washington Community High School. High School students in Washington soon became familiar with a new face in their school building – A Washington Police Officer.

The School Resource Officer program enables the Washington Police Department to work directly within the high school setting to facilitate and foster positive relationships between police officers, students, and school employees. This prevention-oriented program focuses increased attention on youth problems, concerns and unlawful activities on a proactive basis. The program's express goal has been to promote a positive learning and educational setting for high school students, and a healthy, solid environment for the community.

Both the Washington Police Department and the Washington Community High School employ personnel that are trained to deal with young people who engage in anti-social and counterproductive behavior. By pooling these resources on a day-to-day basis, we will hopefully be more successful in satisfying the needs of the community's youth. The school setting is an ideal situation for this program.

The primary goal of schools is to educate young people, so the information and messages the School Resource Officer wants to convey should be best received here. It has been the ultimate goal of this officer to deter students from involvement in criminal acts, alcohol and drug use, theft, violence, gang activity, and other forms of socially unacceptable behavior. In the past, most contact between police officers and young people has been in negative situations. By making an officer available for consultation and teaching in a less formal and more approachable situation, this program will build trust, respect and open new channels of communication.

The School Resource Officer is responsible for:

• Building positive relationships with students in an effort to promote greater respect for law enforcement activities.
• Acting as a resource in law enforcement-related issues.
• Serving as a law enforcement resource for students, teachers, parents, and the community.
• Assisting in designing educational programs related to preventing unlawful activity in the community.
• Protecting the high school and middle school campuses from violations of any law.
• Assisting school officials in more effective response to student and non-student criminal offenses.

Officer Troi Westbrook serves as the School Resource Officer and he can be reached during the school year at the Washington Community High School, (309) 444-5523.

Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Program

Since 1965 the City has encouraged property owner participation in what has come to be known as the 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program. In 1991, the City Council adopted a policy to focus our resources on replacing 'worst condition' sidewalks by establishing objective standards to evaluate sidewalk condition. Property owners may request for sidewalk and/or curb abutting their property to be replaced. 

In order to be placed on the City’s replacement program or reimbursed for the cost of concrete material when the property owner contracts with a private contractor to have the work done, the sidewalk and/or curb must be in Poor or Very Poor condition. Sidewalks and/or curbs found in very poor or poor condition are then scheduled for replacement, subject to budgetary constraints.  In 2023, the City Council increased the City’s financial share of sidewalk and curb replacement projects to 70%.

• Very poor condition sidewalks are those which have cracks greater than 1 1/8" wide and greater than 1 1/8" vertical separation between squares, or cracks within the same square. Excessive cracking, scaling, or pitting. Sections of broken sidewalk that can be lifted out, or are entirely missing. Very poor condition curb would have excessive spalling and exposed reinforcement per panel. 
• Poor condition sidewalks are those which have cracks greater the 3/8" wide and greater than 3/8" vertical separation between squares, or cracks within the same square. Significant surface scaling or pitting present. Broken sections of sidewalks are loose and shift easily under the weight of walking. Some sections may be entirely missing. Poor condition curb would have multiple spalls per panel.
• Property owners placed on the 70/30 program are responsible for 30% of the cost of construction at the time of replacement and the remaining 70% is paid by the City.
• Property owners may request for sidewalk abutting their property to be replaced. Requests must meet the above condition requirements in order to be either placed on the City's 70/30 replacement program or reimbursed for the cost of concrete material when the property owner contracts with a private contractor to have the work done. The amount of material reimbursement is based on the City's annual concrete bid price per lineal foot and the City's final inspection measurements. Sidewalk replacement is typically reviewed and replaced per full square panel, typically four feet by five feet (4’x5’). Curb replacement is typically reviewed and replaced per full jointed segment, typically ten to fifteen feet (10-15’).
• Sidewalk and Curb Replacement Request Form

Click Here to view the Program Participant Dashboard

The City of Washington's Public Works Department is committed to keeping all roads within the city safe and navigable before, during, and after every winter event as an “Open Road” objective.

This open road objective should not be confused with a “Bare Pavement” objective. An open road objective provides that the street should be passable with only a reasonable amount of inconvenience, based upon the actual storm conditions, and should provide a safe driving surface, if reasonable driving caution is taken considering weather conditions.

The Department has seven (7) single axle five yard plow trucks to help maintain over 78 centerline miles of roadways, which include just under 3 miles of alleys and 76 miles of streets, some requiring up to 4 passes to clear both driving and parking lanes. Trucks are assigned to seven (7) routes with average round lengths of two to four hours depending on snow accumulation. SNOW ROUTE MAP. These routes are primary staffed by the Streets Department, but in the advent of extended events, the City will staff two (2) round the clock 12 hour shifts made up of members from all Public Works Departments (Streets, Distribution, Water and Sewer).

The City of Washington plows most of the streets within city limits, however there are a number of roads that are the responsibility of other government agencies: US Route 24 (Boyd Parkway), Business Route 24 (Washington Rd. / Peoria St. / Walnut St. / Eureka Rd.) McCluggage Road and Illinois Route 8 (Washington Rd.) are IDOT’s and North Main Street (County Highway 3) beginning near Cruger Road is Tazewell County’s.

In addition to plowing, the City applies salt to help combat ice buildup. We do not use abrasive agents or blended mixes of cinders, sand or chips due to the ultimate depositing of these as sediment in the storm sewers and detention basins. Salt is still one of the best products available for melting snow and ice, however it is most effective at temperatures 25°F or above. Traffic also aids the melting process, which is why a less traveled street may remain slick and snow covered while roadways with higher traffic volumes are clear. Regardless drivers are reminded that the lower the temperature the less effective salt becomes.

While the city maintains this strategy, it cannot guarantee results simply due to the uncertainty that each storm presents. Snow accumulations of an inch per hour are extremely difficult to keep up with. Timing of the storm in unison with traffic rush hours, holidays, and daytime hours create additional tactical problems. The city will plow the practical full pavement width in order to maintain adequate road capacity for future storms. Plowing is performed as allowed by road geometry with the idea of dispersing equal amounts of snow to either side of a road. As a result, snow will almost certainly end up in driveways and could result in homeowners clearing their driveways multiple times.

As always, the City and the Public Works Department appreciates the patience, understanding, and cooperation of its citizens during this process.

Current GFL (formerly PDC) rates effective July 1, 2021:

Residents living in the city limits participate in an All-Cart program that includes both trash and recycling service. The fee is $15.25 per month. 

Click here for the GFL Website.

GARBAGE

• Each household may select either one 65-gallon cart (holds appr. six 13-gallon kitchen bags) OR one 95-gallon cart (holds appr. ten 13-gallon kitchen bags) for trash service.

• Trash service is picked up weekly. It must be at the curb before 6:00 AM on your collection day. 
• Private containers and garbage bags can be set out in addition to the material in the cart.
• Private containers and garbage bags are limited to 36 gallons in size and must weigh less than 50 pounds per unit.
• Unacceptable items: E-Waste, paint (liquid form), batteries, concrete, rocks, dirt, tires or yard waste.

RECYCLING

• YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR RECYCLING SERVICE.
• Each household may select either one 65-gallon cart (holds appr. six 13-gallon kitchen bags) OR one 95-gallon cart (holds appr. ten 13-gallon kitchen bags) for recycling service.
• Recycling participants MUST use the PDC-issued cart which is included in the base fee.
• All recyclables go in the cart loose. Do not bag recyclables in plastic grocery bags or plastic garbage bags.
• Recycling service is picked up every other week on the same day as your garbage pick-up day. It must be at the curb before 6:00 AM on your collection day. 
• Recycled glass items are not picked up curbside, however, a container for glass recycling has been provided at the entrance of Georgetown Road (south of the BUS24/Mount Vernon Drive intersection).

YARD WASTE

• Weekly yard waste collection at the curb is an optional service available on an annual subscription basis. 
• The fee is $120 a year payable at $10 per month and includes the use of a 95-gallon cart with a green lid. 
• Yard waste collection will be weekly on Fridays throughout the City from April through November. 
• Extra volume beyond the cart needs to be properly set out:
  • All material needs to be in a brown paper yard waste bag. 
  • All bundled yard waste must be less than 4 feet in length. 
  • Please tie bundles with non-metallic cords, such as twine.

MORTON DROP-OFF

AREA-Morton, 1090 W. Jefferson St., Morton, IL.
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - Noon (seasonally).
Phone: (309)263-2390

Yard Waste

• Residents who do not want subscription services can drop off yard waste at AREA-Morton for $2.50 per bag. 

BULKY ITEMS

• Bulky items are items too large to fit inside your trash container.
• Items include:
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
  • Building materials
• There will be a city-wide clean-up on your normal pick-up day. Click here to view the calendar.
• For a bulky item pickup outside of the clean-up day, you can call GFL to schedule it. The fee will be $15 per item. You MUST call (309)674-5176 to schedule a special pickup.  

ADDITIONAL SERVICES/INFORMATION

• An additional cart may be rented for either garbage or recycling for an additional $2.50 a month, paid quarterly in advance.
• Walk-up service is available for an additional $8 per month. 
• To establish service or obtain additional information, please contact their customer service department by calling (309)674-5176.

Walk and Talk Detail

Washington Police Officers routinely will stop by various locations within the community, such as shopping areas, parks and neighborhoods to engage our residents in dialogue to ensure that all is well. They have been trained to work with our residents to identify and solve problems and concerns as they come up. This detail has been instrumental in establishing a positive, proactive relationship between the Washington Police Department and the community.

Vacation House Checks

Vacation House Watch is a service offered to our residents by the Washington Police Department. This service, offered free of charge, helps protect the homes of our residents while they are away on business or travel. Our Police Officers will inspect homes periodically to help ensure their security. To enroll in this service, call the Telecommunications Center at (309) 444-2313 and provide the on-duty telecommunicator with the information regarding your home or property and we will place you home on our Vacation House Check list.

Service Unit For The Salvation Army

The Washington Police Department has been a service unit for the Heartland Division of the Salvation Army since 1993. This program was established to assist individuals (or families) in need of food or assistance. This assistance is typically provided to people who are traveling and become stranded in Washington. We can, however, be called on to assist citizens of Washington in the event of a fire or eviction. For more information regarding this program, please contact the Front Desk at the Washington Police Department at (309) 444-1110.

Stuffed Animal Program

This program was initiated in October of 1993 with the assistance of the Men’s Club at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington, Illinois. Washington Police Officers may give a stuffed animal to young children involved in serious incidents relating to child abuse, major traffic accidents, or other traumatic events. The intent of the gift is to help the child through the investigative or police recording processes. The stuffed animal gives the child a feeling of confidence, security and provides a vehicle for bonding between the officer and the child during a time of trauma or crisis.

Our current patrol shift coverage is as follows:

Patrol Districts

At the present time our Community is divided into three (3) patrol districts. Patrol District #1 is the east half of the City, District #2 is the west half of the City, and District #3, which was created in 2005 as a result of the increased calls for service, encompasses the areas of the Devonshire Subdivision and all the residential/commercial development north of the Route 24 Bypass. When four (4) Officers are on duty, the fourth Officer is assigned as a float car.

Firearms Range and Training

Washington Police Officers are required to qualify with duty weapons every quarter (four times per year). All Washington Police Officers are issued a Patrol Rifle. This weapon is assigned to the individual officer and the officer must qualify with his / her assigned weapon annually. One of the Department Range Masters is a State of Illinois Certified Master Firearms Instructor.

Click HERE for more information and the TIF application.

Additional links:

Amended TIF Redevelopment Plan

TIF 2 - Downtown Map - Effective through 12/21/2033

An example of the use of public TIF funds:  The Denhart Building on Washington Square.

Before	After

Training remains one of our highest priorities on the Washington Police Department.

The Washington Police Department is dedicated to preparing each of its employees to meet the needs of the City of Washington and its residents. Our commitment to training is essential to having a police department fully prepared to handle the varied calls for service which occur in the City of Washington.

Washington Police Officers acquire a 14-week Basic Law Enforcement Certification through a state accredited police academy prior to a Field Training period. The Field Training Program provides on the job training and mentorship to new officers over a 16-week program with certified Field Training Officers. Through these initial training periods, each officer is vetted to patrol the City of Washington and serve the public.

After these initial training periods, our officers are provided training to meet all training benchmarks set by the Illinois Training and Standards Board (ILETSB). We consider the benchmarks set by the ILETSB to be minimum standards and we are constantly providing training to our officers to exceed these standards. Our officers receive training in civil rights, human rights, cultural competency, crisis intervention, and mental health response on an ongoing basis.

For decades, the Washington Police Department has trained in excited delirium and positional asphyxia. We recognize that training in excited delirium and positional asphyxia alone is inadequate to protect those we serve. For this reason, we have explicitly trained in the dangers of hypoxia associated with arrest, to look for signs a person is not breathing adequately, including voiced complaints of breathing problems, and to treat those signs as medical emergencies.