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Riverwoods board asks village staff to seek justification for 2025 engineering rate increases from GHA
Summary
Trustees asked staff to request written justification from Gaywalt Hamilton & Associates for the consultant’s proposed 2025 hourly rate schedule, and deferred action until the board receives additional documentation at the next meeting.
Gaywalt, Hamilton & Associates (GHA) presented a 2025 hourly rate schedule in the board packet. Director Vasquez and Director Witt said the rates affect the village’s billings because GHA performs engineering, MS4 and water system operator‑of‑record duties for Riverwoods. Directors noted that, based on the staff roles most commonly assigned to village work, the packet analysis showed an average increase in billable rates of about 9.21% for those positions.
Trustees questioned the magnitude of the increase (noting it exceeds typical CPI measures) and asked staff to request a written rationale from GHA explaining the rate changes and whether a municipal discount is available. Directors said that GHA invoices for 2024 work were billed at the 2024 rates and that final contract negotiations continue; GHA had asked the village to allow billing at the proposed 2025 rates while contract language is finalized.
After discussion the board did not approve the 2025 rate schedule and directed staff to return with GHA’s written justification and any recommended negotiation strategy at the next meeting (two weeks). Directors said they are also reviewing existing IGA provisions with Lake County to ensure services are coordinated and to reduce duplicate charges where the county can provide work under existing agreements.
Follow up: Director Witt and Director Vasquez will request GHA justification and report back at the next meeting.
