Round Lake Beach hires more private companies to save cash

Tree trimming, one snowplowing route and water main repairs now will be handled by private companies mostly in an effort to save public money in Round Lake Beach.

Village board members approved the hiring of the companies at a meeting Monday night. Some concern about the move and potential layoffs was voiced by a union representing Round Lake Beach Public Works employees.

No layoffs are anticipated as of now because of the decision, said Village Administrator David Kilbane and Mayor Rich Hill. The village expects to reduce overtime and compensatory time through the outsourcing of work.

"This isn't a new process in the community," Kilbane said of the privatization effort. "We've been doing this for years."

Matthew LaPierre, staff representative for American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, said while layoffs are not happening now, at least two to three jobs are in jeopardy down the road because of the village's hiring of the three companies. His union represents 20 employees at public works and eight in village hall.

"We have plenty of concerns," said LaPierre, who plans to meet with village officials Friday. "At best, they're being disingenuous in how they're phrasing things."

Documents prepared by Finance Director Patrice Sutton Burger show the biggest cost benefit should come by hiring G&S Services of Beach Park to take over for public works employees on the one snowplowing route. Public works will handle nine of the 10 routes.

As the low bidder, G&S projects charging nearly $39,000 to plow during an average winter at village hall, the police department, civic center, Metra commuter rail parking lot and some streets. An average winter was classified as 45 inches of snow in G&S bid documents.

Round Lake Beach may save upward of $51,200 with G&S plowing the one route, according to the finance director's documents. In addition, village officials say, the move will allow public works crews to be more available to clear residential streets.

"It's not just money," Hill said of adding the private companies to provide village services. "It's getting things done for our residents."

LaPierre said residents receive better services from regular village employees who typically live in town or nearby.

"An outside contractor has many clients," LaPierre said. "If you need him on the spot, it could take a while to get there."

Two companies will handle the water main breaks. Officials said Berger Excavating Contractors Inc. in Wauconda and Campanella & Sons Inc. of Wadsworth will provide a more economical, efficient solution to handling any water main problems.

Joe Meyer Tree Services Inc. of Fox Lake was hired to begin a trimming and maintenance program for $266 an hour or $2,400 a day. Round Lake Beach has wanted to proactively maintain trees in parkways, sidewalks and village property, officials said.

Private companies already handle duties in Round Lake Beach that include payroll, uniform cleaning, administrative staff support, sidewalk installation and animal control.