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Illinois lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 1937, legislation that would roll back Tier 2 pension reforms for all pension systems, including police, fire, and the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Unions and bill sponsors are pushing to advance this costly bill during the fall veto session. Most people are familiar with 401(k) retirement plans, where the employer and employee contribute a set amount to an account, and retirement income depends on contributions and investment returns. Municipal pensions work differently. Like Social Security, they are defined benefit programs that guarantee a set monthly retirement payment based on earnings and years of service. Municipal employees do their part: police contribute 9.91%, firefighters 9.455%, and all other municipal employees 4.5% of their paychecks toward their pensions. Local taxpayers fund the balance through municipal contributions, which cover both the normal cost of benefits and the system’s unfunded liabilities. Investment returns also play a critical role. In a 401(k), if investments underperform, the account balance shrinks. In municipal pensions, when investments underperform, taxpayers must pay more to keep benefits guaranteed. In 2024, municipalities contributed 4.96% of payroll to IMRF to cover normal costs. By comparison, public safety pensions require municipalities to contribute well over 10% of payroll—far higher than the average 401(k) employer match of 4.6%. On top of that, most communities pay even more to climb out of long-standing pension debt. It’s important to remember: these pensions are not funded by the State of Illinois—they are funded by your local tax dollars. As the Veto Session approaches, municipal leaders play a vital role in protecting taxpayers and communities from costly pension benefit changes. We encourage you to share this issue with your residents and urge them to contact their legislators using the resources available at Invest in Communities. Together, we can make sure lawmakers understand the real-world impact these proposals would have on local budgets, services, and taxpayers.

The Village of Glenwood is requesting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from IDOT-prequalified engineering firms for Phase I – Preliminary Engineering Services, Phase II- Design Engineering Services, and Phase III – Construction Engineering Services for the Pleasant Drive and Arquilla Drive Resurfacing in the Village of Glenwood, IL. This project is being federally funded, and therefore, consultant selection will be in accordance with the Qualification Based Selection (QBS) guidelines in the Brooks Act (40 USC 11) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements for Procurement, Management, and Administration of Engineering and Design Related Services (23 CFR 172). Download the complete RFQ packet below.

The purpose of the improvement on Pleasant Drive and Arquilla Drive to preserve the pavement and provide pedestrian accommodations with sidewalk and ADA improvements. The improvements include resurfacing with hot-mix asphalt (HMA) binder and surface course, HMA patches, curb and gutter removal and replacement, sidewalk removal and replacement. detectable warning installation, drainage and utility adjustments restoration, signage, pavement markings and miscellaneous work items. The project is anticipated for letting through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with construction scheduled after funding is secured. The estimated construction budget for this improvement is $900,000. Download the complete RFQ packet below.

Download the file below for information related to this position.

The Director of Public Works & Water Department engages in intricate supervisory, administrative and professional tasks involving the planning, organization, direction and oversight of the Department. This includes responsibilities related to environmental management, maintenance of the water distribution system, supervision of sanitary and storm water systems, oversight of streets, streetlights, municipal buildings, parks and various other public work projects and programs. The Director is on call 24 hours/7 days a week for emergencies. Download the complete job description below.

The Village of Hazel Crest is soliciting proposals for a two (2) year contract with two (2) one-year options for cleaning services for four Village buildings. Vendors are required to submit written proposals that present the vendor’s qualifications and understanding of the work to be performed. The vendor’s proposal should be prepared simply and economically and should provide all the information it considers pertinent to its qualifications for the specifications listed herein. Emphasis should be placed on the completeness of services offered and clarity of content. The proposal must be submitted by email no later than Friday, August 22, 2025, at 4:00PM All proposals must be submitted via email to kspiek@villageofhazelcrest.com Download the complete proposal below.

General : The Village of Hazel Crest (Village) is accepting Qualifications from engineering firms that are prequalified by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to provide Construction (Phase III) Engineering Services for the 171st Street Resurfacing project. Project Description: The 171st Street Resurfacing project involves hot-mix asphalt surface removal and replacement with polymerized leveling binder and hot-mix asphalt surface course, spot curb and gutter removal and replacement, driveway, sidewalk, ADA detectable warnings removal and replacement, where necessary, and thermoplastic striping. The project limits are from California Ave to Western Avenue. The project is being funded through a combination of Surface Transportation Program (STP) and Local funds and must adhere to all Village, State and Federal requirements. The Village expects the Preliminary Engineering to start as soon as possible and is hopeful to make a spring 2026 IDOT letting. The Village is hoping to begin construction in late fall 2025. The construction budget for this project was estimated at $341,758. Download the complete RFQ below.