West Chester Township has approved a new employment agreement for its Township Administrator, including a significant pay increase and expanded job protections.

Under the new contract, Lisa Brown’s salary will rise from 165-thousand dollars to 188-thousand dollars per year. That’s an increase of 23-thousand dollars, or just under 14-percent. When including benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and a township-provided vehicle, the total compensation package is estimated to exceed 250-thousand dollars annually, according to an analysis of the agreement by the AI site ChatGPT. The new agreement also makes several key changes to job security and severance.

If terminated without cause, Brown would now receive 12 months of salary and benefits—double the six months provided in her previous contract. The agreement also requires a unanimous vote of trustees to terminate her employment, up from a simple majority.

Additionally, the contract expands eligibility for cashing out unused sick leave, allowing payment in more scenarios, including resignation or contract expiration.

In a statement, the Board of Township Trustees says Brown meets or exceeds expectations in all evaluated areas, including financial stewardship, leadership, and strategic development. Trustees credited her with advancing major projects, strengthening communication with the board, and improving organizational structure and fiscal oversight.

The board says those accomplishments support the updated contract and salary adjustment, citing market benchmarks and the township’s goal of remaining competitive in attracting and retaining leadership. Most other benefits, including fully paid health insurance and annual vacation time, remain unchanged. The contract runs through February of 2028.