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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Richard J. Veenstra, Corporation Counsel
DATE: June 6, 2018
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance of the City of Aurora, Illinois Ascertaining the Prevailing Rate of Wages for Laborers, Mechanics, and other Workers Employed in Public Works Projects
PURPOSE:
To ascertain the general prevailing rate of hourly wages in the City of Aurora for laborers, mechanics, and other workers.
BACKGROUND:
The Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (the "Act") requires all public bodies to annually investigate and ascertain the prevailing rate of wages for laborers, mechanics and other workers during the month of June. While the Act authorizes public bodies to conduct their own wage studies, they may also satisfy their obligations under the Act by adopting the prevailing wage schedules prepared by the Illinois Department of Labor. Very few, if any, public bodies conduct their own investigations, and accordingly most rely on the Department of Labor's findings.
DISCUSSION:
The Illinois Supreme Court has held that the requirements of the Act are a matter of state, rather than local concern. For this reason, the City must comply with the Act despite its home rule status. Consistent with the City's past practice, adoption of the Department of Labor's wage schedules for Kane, DuPage, Will, and Kendall counties is the most effective way to comply with the Act.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The Act bars the institution of public works projects unless the public body complies with its requirements. Additionally, the Act provides that any officer of a public body who willfully refuses to comply with any of the provisions of the Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Place this item on the Finance Committee's Agenda for Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in advance of subsequent approval by the City Council.
cc: Alderman O'Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mesiacos
Alderman Bugg
Alderman Mervine, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
ORDINANCE NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ...
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