SSMMA Newsletter September 19, 2025

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September 19, 2025

www.ssmma.org

Veto Session 2025: Protect Communities from

Costly Pension Changes

With the Illinois Legislature’s Veto Session (October 14–16 and 28–30) fast approaching, SSMMA is actively engaging with municipal leaders to collect tax and pension data that will help demonstrate to state lawmakers how mandated benefit changes harm our communities.

Illinois lawmakers are likely to reconsider Senate Bill 1937, legislation that would roll back Tier 2 pension reforms for all pension systems. Why is this important? These pensions are funded by your local tax dollars, not the State, and undoing reforms may directly impact taxpayers by driving up property tax bills, forcing communities to raise taxes or cut essential services, and ultimately putting even first responders’ and municipal employees' pensions at risk.

Your partnership is essential in making this case. We encourage you to share this issue with your residents and urge them to contact their legislators using the resources available here.

For more information, feel free to contact Kristi DeLaurentiis at kdelaurentiis@ssmma.org.

Fact Sheet: Taxpayers Fund Pensions

Fact Sheet: Safe Harbor for Public Safety

SAVE THE DATE: SSMMA Jingle & Mingle

Mark your calendars! The South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association invites you to the Jingle & Mingle Dinner on Thursday, December 4, 2025, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Wind Creek Casino.

Co-hosted by Mayor Tom Brown and the Village of East Hazel Crest, and Mayor Rich Hofeld and the Village of Homewood.

This year's event is sponsored by Comcast, ComEd, Nicor, and AT&T. Find more information about sponsorship opportunities here and visit the event page for additional details. Registration will open in October.

Stay tuned for additional updates and contact Melissa Doud for questions.

Additional Grant Opportunities and Resources

• Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities: Notice of Funding Opportunity is NOW OPEN and accepting applications through November 5, 2025.

• Find a list of DECO grant opportunities for the state of Illinois here.

• Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is accepting grant applications for green infrastructure projects, under the GIGO program. Learn more.

• Check out Will County's small business assistance resource page.

News from Community Partners

Cook County Property Tax Bridge Fund Applications Open

Cook County has launched its Property Tax Bridge Fund Program, offering hundreds of millions of dollars in no-interest, short-term loans to eligible suburban taxing districts, including municipalities, schools, and park districts.

The application window runs from September 18 until October 3, 2025. Eligible districts must have less than 120 days of cash on hand and be located in suburban Cook County. Loan amounts are based on a district’s levy, collection rate, and available cash on hand, with awards ranging from 50%–100% of the maximum loan calculated. Find more information and application details here.

Job Postings & Requests for Proposals

• SSMMA offers a list of local job opportunities and RFPs throughout the south suburban region directly on our website.

• Municipalities and organizations can send job openings and proposals here to be publicly posted.

SPC News

2025 Fall Auction

The fall Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction will be held at noon on Tuesday, October 21 at America’s Auto Auction in Crestwood. Thank you to Palatine and Tinley Park for registering for the last live auction of the year. Please note that vehicles and equipment can be listed for disposal right up to the morning of the auction day. For more information, please contact staff or America’s AA Sales Executive Manager Maria Cortez, 708-389-4488.

SPC Extends Office/Janitorial Supplies Contract

The Suburban Purchasing Cooperative (SPC) Governing Board has approved the award of a one-year contract extension on the combined SPC Office & Janitorial Supplies Program (Contract #189) to Warehouse Direct Workplace Solutions of Des Plaines. The contract is effective through May 31, 2026.

SPC Extends Fuel Contract

The SPC Governing Board has approved the first of three (3), one-year contract extensions of the 2025 Gasoline (87, 89, & 92 Octane), Diesel Fuel, Ethanol 75 & 85 and B20 Bio Diesel Fuel (Contract #230) to Al Warren Oil Co., Inc. through July 5, 2026.

SPC Extends Ambulance Contract

The contract extension runs through May 31, 2026. Additional information may be found by visiting SPC Ambulance Contract.

Check out the weekly briefing here.

For more information visit ssmma.org/spc or contact Melissa Doud.

Have something you'd like included in our next newsletter? Email it to news@ssmma.org.