The Daily Herald has published an article detailing a financial challenge in Carpentersville, where officials are implementing budget cuts and layoffs to address a projected $400,000 shortfall.
Village Manager J. Mark Rooney confirmed that the village plans to lay off two full-time firefighters, a part-time records clerk in the police department, a community service officer, and a part-time ambulance billing clerk in the fire department. This decision comes as the village looks to reduce costs amid declining sales tax revenues and uncertain state funding. Notably, this would be the first round of layoffs since 2011.
Rooney emphasized that the situation could change depending on future financial conditions, especially with the possibility of securing a federal grant that could bring in four additional firefighters. The village is currently updating its application to request two more firefighters and funds to retain the existing ones. Firefighters' union representatives, including Lt. Rick Nieves of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4790, have indicated they will fight to keep the affected members employed.
In addition to the layoffs, three part-time roles in finance, IT, and fire departments will remain unfilled. Two code enforcement officers will also be retrained to take on dual responsibilities as community service officers, according to Public Safety Director Al Popp.
The two firefighters scheduled for layoff have eight years of combined experience and are the least senior among the 32 in the department. Their last day at work is set for March 28. Village officials estimate the measures will save between $235,000 and $245,000, with further savings expected in the coming years.
Rising operational costs, falling property values, and increasing union contract expenses are cited as key factors behind the budget crisis. The recent fire department layoffs follow a contract dispute over staffing levels at the village’s three fire stations, which was settled just two months ago.
If the union fails to prevent the layoffs, the number of full-time firefighters in Carpentersville will drop to 30, with 28 part-timers remaining. Nieves expressed surprise at the decision, noting that the union had recently negotiated a contract that he believed should have protected the junior firefighters. However, Rooney claimed the union chose to prioritize lieutenant pay and hours over protecting the two employees.
Rooney assured the public that the layoffs won’t compromise emergency services, citing current staffing levels, mutual aid agreements, and the flexibility to use part-time staff as needed.
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