Burr Ridge Plans 'Not-So-Good' Contractor List: Mayor

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge is launching a contractor registration program, which the mayor said would involve a list of the "not-so-good" ones.

Under the program, which starts Aug. 1, contractors must pay an annual fee of $100 or $200 and submit records showing they are insured and bonded.

The fees and bond requirements would not apply to exempt contractors under state law.

The village says the program is a method of consumer protection for residents and businesses.

"This is something I think is long overdue for the village of Burr Ridge," Mayor Gary Grasso said at Monday's Village Board meeting. "It allows us to monitor the good contractors, which is a good thing, and more importantly, the not-so-good contractors."

Burr Ridge, he said, would maintain a list of the not-so-good ones, so the village doesn't get repeat issues.

Trustee Russell Smith had a concern.

"Is this going to possibly limit contractors from wanting to do business here in the village with our residents because this could be potentially a little overreaching?" he asked.

In response, Janine Farrell, the village's community development director, said the registration program is a standard practice.

"Contractor registration is very, very common throughout this area," she said. "On a daily basis, we are contacted by contractors who are looking to update their registration or their licensing, and they're frankly surprised we don't have this program already."

The Village Board's vote for the registration program was unanimous. Trustee Joe Snyder was absent because of his annual charity work.

Over the last couple of years, Burr Ridge experienced at least two instances in which contractors were alleged to have done work without permits.