A Community of Growth and Preservation
Although it may sound contrasting, The Village of Orland Park is dedicated to both growth and preservation. Regarded as the financial and retail center of Chicago’s perpetually expanding southwest suburbs, Orland Park has utilized various economic development tools to attract and retain businesses. And while its 60,000 residents are well aware of the booming development in their community, they also know the local government supports their woodlands and prairies just as much.
Mayor Dan McLaughlin and the Orland Park Board of Trustees formed the Open Lands Fund Commission in November 1995 to help preserve the dwindling number of open spaces in the community.
“We created the not-for-profit Open Lands of Orland Park Corporation to raise funds and purchase open space to augment public open space efforts,” said Mayor McLaughlin. “Nearly 100 acres of open space have been purchased in addition to 28 acres of donated property. Several more properties are currently being pursued.”
There has been a major push for environmentally sound construction in Orland Park, and the village itself has been a leader. The new Orland Park Police Department facility is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building. Other notable projects include the Downtown Triangle Development, which will create a mixed-use pedestrian oriented downtown. This project will be the first of its kind in the south suburbs.
Plenty Of Reasons To Stay
In 2006, Orland Park was named the 45th Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine. Improving the quality of life for its residents is an ongoing priority. The village boasts an extensive recreation system featuring hiking and biking trails, wildlife refuges, an aquatic center, ice arena, golf courses, playing fields, and gymnasiums. Residents take pride in the outstanding reputation of the local schools, including numerous area colleges and universities. Orland Park hosts an annual Senior Health Fair and has a Veterans Administration office inside the award-winning Village Center Complex.
"From our beautiful new library to our highly respected police and fire departments, people find many reasons to be proud of living in Orland Park," Mayor McLaughlin said. "You can see this civic pride in our Fine Arts Fair, The Taste of Orland, National Night Out and other great special events."
Every Penny Accounted For
“We have been blessed with a strong retail tax base,” said Annmarie Mampe, CPA and Village of Orland Park Finance Director. “A significant portion of our general fund budget comes from sales tax. Our residents benefit from this each year with a nice village tax rebate check in their mailbox. This perk is just one of the reasons why residents love to call Orland Park home.”
Among a host of other duties, Ann Marie handles payroll for the 300 full-time and up to 800 part-time village employees. Orland Park’s fiscal responsibility has not gone unnoticed. The village has won numerous awards from The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the largest organization of state, county and municipal finance officers in North America. Orland Park received the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and Certification for Excellence in Financial Reporting. And because of their strong revenues, due diligence and fiscal responsibility, Orland Park has a great bond rating.
Controlling Health Benefit Costs
“The Horton Group has been totally different from our previous insurance broker,” said Orland Park Human Resources Manager Stephana Przybylski. “We don’t just see them around renewal time. Horton is much more focused on service and remains very accessible. I know I can call them and get an answer right away. And they are the kind of people you just enjoy working with.”
To enhance their strong employee health benefit program, the village is very aggressive in market analysis and providing communication about health education. Orland Park hosts a Wellness Week for all employees every May that includes health screenings, speakers and guest memberships to the Village’s state-of-the-art Sportsplex.
“Horton participates in our open enrollment and is very visible with our employees,” said Przybylski. “They have provided us with a great website for our employees to access a wealth of plan information. Their claims advocacy has been a tremendous help to us in the past. We’re very comfortable and satisfied with The Horton Group.”