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Forest Park weighs ending village-run crossing-guard program because of staffing and workers' comp costs
Summary
Police Chief Gross and staff told the council the crossing-guard program is costly and hard to staff; the village splits costs 50/50 with District 91 but bears administration and liability. Council agreed to ask District 91 if it can assume the program and S1 will follow up.
Chief Gross described persistent staffing and liability problems with the village-run crossing-guard program: many applicants are older residents, weather and work rules lead to gaps in coverage, and the village has seen rising workers' compensation costs. He said crossing guards carry the same workers' comp liability class as sworn officers, increasing village expenses.
"Our crossing guards have the same liability as a police officer," S1 explained, noting that higher insurance and comp rates are incorporated into the program's cost. The program is funded 50/50 with District 91 but administratively runs through the police department.
Council discussed options including asking District 91 to assume administration, outsourcing the program, or terminating the village's role with notice under the contract's 30-day clause. S2 suggested giving District 91 a reasonable transition window and possibly negotiating a temporary support arrangement.
S1 committed to follow up with District 91 this week and return to council with timing options. Council emphasized the need to balance fiscal restraint with care for crossing-guard employees: terminating village administration could affect workers who count on the positions.
Next steps: S1 will contact District 91 and return to the council with information on how quickly the district could take over the program and what transition supports might look like.
