Public Works Mutual Aid Network

The MCCG Public Works Mutual Aid Network includes both emergency and non-emergency programs.  The emergency mutual aid program allows participating communities to request assistance for personnel and equipment needs from other participating communities in times of emergency.  Under the terms of the network, assistance is completely voluntary, is provided at no cost and a jurisdiction maintains complete control over the type and amount of assistance provided.  The non-emergency program allows participating communities to call on one another for personnel and equipment needs when facing an unusual or temporarily demanding project of a non-emergency nature. The participating communities can negotiate terms as desired. 

Participating local governments wishing to utilize the mutual aid network can view, save and print contact and equipment information (both pdf files) and Request for Assistance and Assistance Response Forms (both Word files) below.  A flow chart illustrating the process for using the network can be viewed here.

Public Works Mutual Aid Network Contact Information

Public Works Mutual Aid Network Equipment List (January 2010)

Request for Assistance Form

Assistance Response Form

Damage Assessment Mutual Aid Network

Similar to the Public Works Mutual Aid Network, this agreement establishes a framework for local governments to provide and receive assistance in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency. It also provides the terms for jurisdiction, compensation, insurance and indemnification for those participating in the mutual aid network. However, unlike the Public Works Mutual Aid Network, which provides direct assistance in dealing with flooding, downed trees and other clean-up activities after a storm or emergency, this program is specifically focused on providing assistance in building inspection services for homes, businesses and other buildings to determine the extent of damage and whether or not a building may be occupied after a natural disaster. This network also differs in the type of personnel and process used to provide assistance.

Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction

The MCCG hosted the fourth annual Surplus Vehicle and Equipment Auction on Saturday September 12, 2009. The annual auction provides local governments the opportunity to sell their surplus vehicles and equipment. 

Energy Purchasing Cooperative

In May 2008, the MCCG, Roscoe Stelford, Finance Director for the City of Woodstock, Chris Black, Finance Director for the City of McHenry, Jack Walde, Finance Director for the Village of Algonquin and Ruth Schlossberg, with Zukowski, Rogers, Flood and McArdle coordinated and implemented a joint-purchasing program (the Northern Illinois Governmental Energy Cooperative) for electricity for ten local governments in and near McHenry County.  The program resulted in a 36-month fixed price contract for medium to large electrical accounts for water and sewage treatment facilities operated by the participating local governments.

Model Program, Policy or Procedure Award

The MCCG recognizes members for their innovative work, provides a resource for municipalities in best practices in the field, and promotes friendly competition within the county through the Model Program, Policy or Procedure Award (MP3 Award).   The MP3 Award also gives local governments an opportunity to take pride in their new programs, policies or procedures on a scale that reaches beyond their own city and jurisdictional borders. The MP3 Award is given once a year and determined by the MCCG Executive Committee.

To be considered for an MP3 Award, a program, policy or procedure must be shown to successfully meet the needs or challenges of the community or organization in a cost effective way.  The innovations should also show tangible results or measurable outcomes from the implementation of the program, policy or procedure.  Ultimately, the program, policy or procedure must be shown to improve the quality of life of the residents that the local government serves.   

The McHenry County Division of Transportation was recognized with the MP3 Award for their innovative Liquid De-Icing Program in 2008.  Click here to learn more about this program as well as the other nominations for this award.

The City of Woodstock was recognized with the MP3 Award for their Job STEPs (Smart Techniques for Employment Planning and Success) Program
in 2009. 

Health Insurance Cooperative Feasibility Study

In July 2005, the MCCG formed the Ad Hoc Committee on Health Insurance to conduct a feasibility study on the costs and benefits of creating a self-funded health insurance cooperative.    The final report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Health Insurance was completed in December 2006 and can be accessed here.  A power point presentation on the study can be accessed here.

Research Assistance

The MCCG is also here to serve as an information clearinghouse and to provide research and technical assistance in the development of solutions to local problems presented by members. The MCCG assists local governments in researching issues and topics important to their community.

March 2010 Water and Sewer Rates Survey and Survey Results
November 2007 Utility Tax Survey Results

March 2010 Waste Hauler Survey Results