Excerpts from an editorial published on Chicagotribune.com by Oak Lawn Village Manager Larry Deejten:
On February 27, the Daily Southtown published a story about Oak Lawn firefighters and a state board ruling that required the village to pay $3.2 million in back pay, plus 7% interest. This issue affects not just Oak Lawn taxpayers, but all residents who rely on fair and responsible governance. A clear and immediate explanation is necessary for everyone involved.
Unfortunately, the current model of fire-rescue services in Oak Lawn is failing. Fire union leaders have consistently resisted changes that would modernize the system, which has remained unchanged for over two decades. In any other industry, such resistance would have led to bankruptcy long ago. The lack of reform is harming both public safety and taxpayer dollars.
The voice of Oak Lawn’s residents has been sidelined due to legislation signed by former Governor Quinn, after receiving significant campaign contributions from the International and Illinois Firefighter Associations. One fire union alone contributed over $450,000 in 2014. Despite widespread support from other Illinois communities, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and the Illinois Municipal League, structural and political barriers continue to block progress.
Fire union representatives often argue that staffing levels are determined by "workplace safety" and the need for teamwork. They also claim that workload has increased. While we respect these concerns, we must ask: at what cost?
Over 60% of Oak Lawn’s operating budget goes toward public safety, yet the fire union’s resistance to change is costing the village more than $2 million annually in overtime pay—over $36,000 per firefighter. This is unsustainable and unfair to the people who fund it.
Gov. Rauner has called for shared sacrifice to restore economic strength and fiscal responsibility. Budgets must be balanced, and pensions must reflect what taxpayers can afford. This requires collaboration between all parties, and local officials must have the tools they need to manage their communities effectively.
Other nearby communities use alternative models that work efficiently at lower costs. Just as businesses adapt to stay competitive, Oak Lawn must embrace best practices to ensure long-term sustainability.
Some key points to consider:
• Oak Lawn is not “0 for 7†in lawsuits against the International Firefighters Union Local 3405. We respect the law, but we also believe in appealing decisions that do not serve the public interest. Each case is evaluated on its merits, and in this instance, a state employee made a serious error by ordering the village to pay firefighters—earning an average of $89,000—who never performed the work and brought no improvement to public safety.
• More than 70% of Oak Lawn firefighters do not live or pay property taxes in the village. The union leader featured in the Southtown article lives in Glen Ellyn, where the median income is over $87,000—more than double that of Oak Lawn. It's only fair to question whether those individuals truly understand the financial burden they place on local taxpayers.
• Why not stop fighting legal rulings and simply hire more firefighters? The village has avoided spending more than $3.6 million since 2008 by not filling vacant positions. This decision saves money and prevents wasteful overtime costs. For each firefighter, the village spends over $120,000 annually in wages and benefits, with a pension that will eventually total over $1 million. If the ruling stands, it could cost Oak Lawn over $600,000 yearly, compounding into millions over time.
• Does reducing the number of firefighters compromise safety? Absolutely not. On regular days, our utilization rate is low, and our mutual aid system handles emergencies effectively. Our firefighters and paramedics perform their jobs well, and Fire Chief George Sheets ensures that safety remains a top priority.
• Oak Lawn is part of MABAS, one of the nation’s top fire mutual aid systems. We collaborate with 11 other communities to respond to large-scale emergencies. This allows us to bring in over 100 firefighters when needed, ensuring that no community is left without support.
In summary, the recent ruling is a setback, but we have the right—and responsibility—to appeal it. It’s hard to understand why a village like Oak Lawn would be forced to pay $3.2 million in back pay, plus interest, for work that was never done. This amount represents 21% of the village’s current property tax levy, and we have no funds to cover it.
Oak Lawn is a fair employer, with a turnover rate far below national averages. We are appealing the decision because we believe it is unjust and incorrect. We hope our employees will understand our position.
For more information and the full statement from the village, visit www.oaklawn-il.gov, where you can find details about all village employees’ salaries from 2014.
Thanks, Dan
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