Thoughts and commentary on Illinois HB 5485:
From the Chicago Tribune:
The leaders of cities and towns across Illinois recently called on the state legislature to help them deal with the growing burden of public employee pension costs. While the pension crisis has often focused on Chicago and the state government, it’s a major issue for suburbs and downstate communities too. These rising costs are putting huge pressure on local budgets and taxes.
But what are lawmakers doing? They’re not taking action on municipal pensions. Instead, they’re pushing a bill that would place even more financial strain on local governments and taxpayers.
Last month, the Illinois House passed a bill that would require municipalities to negotiate staffing levels for their fire departments with the firefighters’ union—even if current contracts don’t cover this topic. If no agreement is reached, the matter would go to arbitration.
This means that local governments would lose control over how many firefighters they need. An arbitrator could force a town to maintain a minimum number of personnel at all times, regardless of budget or service needs.
It’s clear who benefits: the firefighters’ union, which gains job security. But what about residents? They’d face higher taxes and fewer services as a result.
Once staffing levels are set in a contract, city managers find it hard to adjust fire protection programs based on changing conditions. Springfield is trying to take away the decision-making power from those best suited to manage taxpayer money—like local fire chiefs.
Some towns already have rigid staffing rules. Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey inherited one when he took office in 2005 and struggled to change it. He says the city pays for more firefighters than needed, forcing cuts elsewhere, especially during the recession.
Fire protection is essential, but small towns need flexibility to provide it efficiently. Collaboration with neighboring towns might offer better service at lower cost. This law could make such efforts harder.
The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois argues that minimum staffing levels ensure effective service. But we see no proof that citizens benefit when local officials are restricted by state law.
The bill is now in the Senate. When senators vote, they should call it what it is: a property tax increase. Their constituents will appreciate the honesty.
From the SouthtownStar:
In response to Steve Metsch’s recent article on Oak Lawn’s fire department challenges, I want to correct some inaccuracies presented by Mayor Sandra Bury and the village.
1) House Bill 5485 does not force towns to set minimum staffing on fire vehicles. It simply requires “minimum manning†to be a subject of good-faith bargaining. The bill doesn’t mandate anything.
2) Fire Chief George Sheets’ claim that the main staffing issue is how many firefighters are at a scene, not on the truck, is misleading. Firefighters negotiate staffing because our safety depends on having enough personnel on each unit and shift. We deserve to be safe at all times—not just during emergencies.
3) Oak Lawn has long underfunded its public safety pensions, despite employees consistently contributing. Blaming firefighters for the village’s failure to meet obligations is unfair.
4) Village manager Larry Deetjen noted that 72% of Oak Lawn firefighters don’t live in the village, which is true. The residency requirement was dropped in the 1980s due to a federal discrimination case. Not living in Oak Lawn doesn’t affect a firefighter’s right to a safe work environment.
5) Deetjen cited $2 million in overtime, but didn’t mention that the number of firefighters has dropped by 25% since 2007, while emergency calls have increased. Overtime costs are offset by reduced labor expenses. No new firefighters or paramedics have been hired since 2007.
Vincent Griffin President Oak Lawn Professional Firefighters Association
Thanks, Dan.
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