R-1473 - 06/09/2015 - BOARD - Resolutions RESOLUTION 2015-GL-BD-R-1473
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
LOCAL CONTROL OF PROJECT LABOR COSTS
IN RELATION TO THE PREVAILING WAGE LAW
WHEREAS, Illinois State law currently dictates labor pricing for construction projects in the name
of "Prevailing Wage" determinations made by a centralized State panel of appointees, directly forcing
added costs to each Oak Brook Public Works infrastructure project, which reduces funds available for any
other purpose.
WHEREAS, in our free market economy, prices and wages are set by the meeting of supply and
demand and when dealing with government purchases, the freedom of our citizens to bid their own prices
should be respected, and not outlawed by arbitrary wage rates decreed by political appointees that set
artificial levels regardless of market conditions.
WHEREAS, repealing the Illinois Prevailing Wage Law would allow local governments more
control over construction and project costs, preventing the over-billing of labor costs that currently adds at
least 20% to such costs above the true market labor rates in our relevant market area.
WHEREAS, the lowest responsible bidder for any Oak Brook public construction projects should
be allowed to determine the level of wages "prevailing" in Oak Brook, just as that same competitive
bidding process allows independent bidders to determine the level of wages for private projects in Oak
Brook, and for public projects not included in "construction services."
WHEREAS, the Village of Oak Brook is not aware of any evidence that private contractors on
private commercial projects in Oak Brook are paying below-market wages to their employees.
WHEREAS, according to the Illinois Governor's office, rolling back the "Prevailing Wage" dictation
of public sector construction wages will create more flexibility in local government budgets, and more
accountability for spending decisions squarely at the local government level closest to the voters who
must pay for it.
WHEREAS, due to the fiscal emergency facing the State of Illinois, State sources of revenue for
Oak Brook are facing reductions or in some cases cancellations of past funding, showing that the same
State government that forces up our construction costs, cannot even pay its own bills.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village
of Oak Brook, DuPage and Counties, Illinois, as follows:
Section 1: The foregoing recitals are hereby incorporated into, and made a part of, this
Resolution as the findings of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Oak Brook.
Section 2: The President and Board of Trustees for the Village of Oak Brook hereby
endorse major reforms in State government that will encourage Oak Brook to pay market rates—and not
falsely inflated politically dictated higher rates—for labor on public works projects, to enhance local
control, reduce costs, empower local voters, increase competiveness in our community, and preserve
funds for alternative, pressing budgetary needs.
Resolution 2015-GL-BD-R-1473
Resolution in Support of Local Control
of Project Labor Costs
Page 2 of 2
Section 3. The Village President and Village Clerk hereby authorize the Village Manager to
send a suitable copy of this Resolution to the Village's local State senators and representatives and the
Illinois Governor.
Section 4. All resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with this Resolution are hereby
repealed to the extent of the conflict.
Section 5. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage,
approval and publication as required by law.
APPROVED THIS 9"day of June, 2015.
r
Gopal G. Lalmalani
Village President
PASSED THIS 9th day of June, 2015.
Ayes: Trustees Adler, Baar, Manzo, Tiesenga, Yusuf
Hays None
Absent: Trustee Moy
..
ATTEST:
�• S 3 F�;,� Yl� E
Charlotte K. Pruss
1 Village Clerk
x ,