DARIEN, IL - The City of Darien Council voted to keep fleet maintenance in-house by hiring a mechanic to replace a retired technician rather than outsourcing the job to nearby Village of Downers Grove.

Information from the Feb. 6 agenda stated that advantages to the one-year outsourcing trial agreement include significant cost savings, no loss of employee positions, and a larger staff with more advanced repair equipment at the Village. The one disadvantage would be the location of the Village shop, a 15-minute drive away.

A cost analysis stated that employing a full-time mechanic with all associated costs including parts and equipment would cost about $144,000 and rise to $176,000 within four years, while the cost of outsourcing to the Downers Grove facility would be $100,000-$146,000, depending on the amount of work the City sends to the Village.

Downers Grove Patch reported that Council members were concerned with the "level of service" from the village.

Assistant City Administrator Scott Coren told GF that staff had yet to work out the details of hiring a mechanic. He couldn't comment on the reasons behind the council's decision. The City operates about 60 vehicles and equipment.