Crest Hill council approves $9,000 civil-service testing subscription after tied vote

Crest Hill City Council voted to approve a $9,000 agreement with a remote civil-service testing vendor to create and administer civil-service exams and maintain hiring lists.

City Administrator Blaine Wing and HR consultant Dave Stroll told the council the vendor’s subscription model would streamline testing and speed results compared with the city’s prior per-participant arrangement. Stroll described the system’s remote proctoring and anti-cheating features, which he said would make administering tests more convenient and faster.

Several council members questioned the timing because a referendum on removing civil service from local government is scheduled for March 17. Opponents argued the city might pay for a yearlong subscription it would not need if the referendum succeeds, and asked whether the contract could be prorated or whether alternative vendors existed. Staff said a per-head option was no longer offered by the incumbent vendor and that delaying would risk losing applicants from lists that began closing Dec. 19.

After debate, the council approved the agreement on a roll call that included two abstentions; the mayor cast the deciding vote, and the mayor announced the motion carried. The contract was described in the meeting record as a $9,000 subscription; the record indicates staff will pursue potential alternatives and transition risks if the referendum passes.

The council’s discussion noted the tradeoffs: speed and reduced administrative burden versus the $9,000 cost and the possibility the city would not need the service after the referendum. Council members asked staff to explore other vendors and contract language options where feasible.