City attorney: documents requested after state office queries contractor’s prevailing-wage compliance

The City Attorney reported during the May 20 Taylorville City Council meeting that the Illinois Office of the Comptroller had sent a letter asking for documents related to Phil T Excavating’s adherence to the prevailing-wage requirements.

“At least in the record that I reviewed and looked at it looked like you’re in full compliance,” the City Attorney said, according to the transcript, but added that the office requested specific documents for its review. The attorney asked Mr. Morris (a person referenced in the transcript) to compile the requested materials and prepare a response for the mayor’s signature so the city can address the inquiry.

The transcript shows the attorney said the Comptroller’s office was “asking for certain documents to investigate and perhaps consider withdrawal of funds,” and that the city clerk and staff would assemble mechanic’s waivers, certified payroll records and other requested materials. The attorney also noted the city had previously filed required certifications, and that staff would work to clarify the matter with the state office.

No motion or formal vote on the matter is recorded in the transcript; the attorney framed the item as an administrative task to collect records and respond to the state. Council members did not take formal action during the meeting to suspend payments or to place the contractor under penalty; project payments elsewhere on the agenda remained conditioned on receipt of mechanic’s waivers and certified payroll documentation.

Next steps: Mr. Morris and city staff are to gather documents and return a response letter signed by the mayor to the Illinois Office of the Comptroller. Any final determination by the state office would be outside the city’s immediate control.