Morton joins Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network; trustees ask for follow-up on rates and insurance

The Village of Morton Board of Trustees voted May 19 to authorize an intergovernmental agreement joining the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN). The agreement, which staff said updates the village’s membership among more than 270 agencies, allows Morton to request or provide public-works assistance for qualifying emergencies.

Trustees expressed support for membership but pressed staff for follow-up work on several administrative items: establishing a clear annual review or notification to the board about authorized respondents and their delegated authority, compiling a schedule of rates the village would use to seek reimbursement (IDOT, FEMA or a village-specific rate), and confirming with the village’s insurance carrier whether deployments outside the jurisdiction are covered. Public Works staff and counsel said reimbursement can be sought under FEMA or IDOT schedules or a locally adopted schedule and that documentation is critical for FEMA reimbursement; staff agreed to check insurance coverage and bring recommended rate language and an administrative review process back to the board.

The resolution authorizing participation passed on a roll-call vote. Staff said the village has historically participated in mutual aid responses, including the Washington tornado response, and pays an annual membership fee (noted as $250). The action creates authority for the village to participate in mutual aid calls but staff said the operational decision to send resources would remain subject to departmental assessment and board oversight where appropriate.