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A collection of articles discussing the financial challenges facing North Riverside, where village officials have underfunded firefighter pensions and are exploring privatization of the fire department.
This article comes from the *Chicago Tribune*:
North Riverside’s recent attempts to address its pension-related financial issues have not resolved whether the village violated state laws by underfunding police and fire pensions, according to a state Department of Insurance attorney during a hearing on Thursday. The department summoned local officials to explain why they failed to contribute approximately $5 million to these funds between 2008 and 2012, with no payments in several years. Village leaders focused on future solutions, proposing to contract firefighting services with an outside company and implementing a new water rate increase. This move is part of broader efforts by the state to enforce pension funding requirements, with penalties for non-compliance starting in 2016. The hearing aimed to determine if the village violated state statutes, though there is some flexibility if “good and sufficient cause†can be shown. However, critics argue that the village has not adequately explained its past failures. A decision from the hearing officer is expected in several weeks. North Riverside faces a $1.9 million budget deficit, largely due to pension obligations, and officials claim privatizing the fire department could save around $745,000 annually. The firefighters’ union has threatened legal action, arguing that contractual agreements would prevent such a move. Both sides have criticized the focus on past underpayments rather than forward-looking solutions. A 2013 letter from the Department of Insurance highlighted significant shortfalls in pension payments, which the village attributed to reduced sales tax revenue during the economic downturn.
The *Chicago Tribune* also published an editorial highlighting the town’s dire financial situation. With a population of just 6,700, North Riverside is struggling with a $1.9 million deficit, mostly driven by unfunded pension obligations. The village recently approved a plan to outsource its fire department to a private company, a move that could save over $745,000 annually. Under the proposal, current firefighters will retain their jobs and salaries, but their benefits will shift to a 401(k) system. This approach reflects a growing trend among municipalities in Illinois, which are increasingly turning to privatization as a way to manage unsustainable pension costs. North Riverside was warned by the state Department of Insurance and saw its credit rating downgraded by Moody’s. While the village claims this solution is necessary, critics argue it undermines public safety and labor rights. The firefighters’ union is preparing to challenge the plan in court, citing contractual and legal concerns. Despite the risks, the village sees privatization as a bold and innovative response to an urgent financial crisis.
Another article from the *Washington Times (IL)* discusses similar concerns. North Riverside is one of many Illinois towns grappling with rising pension costs, and the village is considering privatizing its fire department to cut expenses. Mayor Hubert Hermanek estimates annual savings of around $700,000 through this model. State law requires cities to increase pension contributions starting in 2016, or risk losing state funding. While the Department of Insurance cannot approve privatization plans, officials say more communities may follow suit as financial pressures mount. Firefighters, however, are skeptical, arguing that private companies prioritize profit over service quality. Union leaders criticize the village’s financial management and warn that the plan could harm residents. Records show North Riverside failed to fund pensions for multiple years, blaming economic conditions and limited tax-raising power. Despite the controversy, the village views its proposal as a necessary step toward financial stability.
From *Landmark.com*, we learn that the firefighters' union is prepared to take legal action if North Riverside moves forward with privatization. J. Dale Berry, representing the union, argues that state law prohibits hiring untested personnel for public safety roles. During negotiations, firefighters proposed alternative cost-saving measures, such as training paramedics, but the village rejected these ideas. The union also opposes the privatization plan, claiming it violates existing contracts. Meanwhile, the village is preparing for a property tax referendum and planning budget cuts to address its financial shortfall. These measures, along with privatization, aim to reduce the $1.9 million deficit. However, the village still needs to cover the remaining gap using reserves. The Moody’s downgrade has added pressure, highlighting the urgency of finding a sustainable solution. Officials and union representatives both urge the Department of Insurance to avoid harsh enforcement actions that could further strain the village’s ability to serve its residents.