La Grange agrees to join shared IT services with neighboring villages to reduce costs

The Village of La Grange Board of Trustees unanimously authorized execution of an intergovernmental agreement to provide shared information-technology services with the Villages of Riverside and North Riverside and with West Central Consolidated Communications.

Manager Knight described the shared-service model in which the Village of Riverside would employ an IT director whose services and help-desk support would be provided to participating organizations under the IGA. Staff said the approach is intended to improve availability of online services (building-permit and business-license applications, payments, and inspection processes), create coordinated IT capital planning, and avoid duplicative or conflicting solutions across neighboring villages.

The staff presentation estimated the model could achieve approximately 50% savings for participating municipalities, with a portion of cost and service levels to be reviewed at the conclusion of the first year and refinements made as needed. Staff anticipates hiring the IT director before the end of the year and phasing help-desk support to follow; the village will maintain current support during the transition.

Trustees moved and seconded the authorization and approved the resolution by roll call. Staff and the village attorney reviewed and recommended approval of the IGA.