THE ORLAND PARK BUDGET

The Village of Orland Park reported that it filled a budget shortfall by adjusting the formula for calculating the property tax rebate and raising certain recreational fees. The question: What are the causes for the shortfall and will the remedies solve the problem?

The Village has a competent staff that prepares the Budget. Their most difficult job is projecting revenues. This projection is critical because sale taxes account for almost 50% of the Village’s revenues, Property Taxes account for about 15%. These projections have been impacted by a troubled economy and a rise in Cook County taxes. If the Village is to meet its commitment to providing services and paying its employees it is dependent on solid projections to meet its budget goals.
My question: Is the Village meeting its revenue projections and what is the revenue plan for 2009 compared to the past three years?

In researching the 2008 Budget I found one chart (Page 53, 2008 OP Budget, Fund Balance History) that raised my eyebrows, it related to debt. and that debt was associated with the Metra Triangle. I have to challenge the logic of the Mayor and his Trustees when it comes to long term debt. Debt is debt and someone must pay and that will probably be you, the taxpayer. If you take a close look at the budget and where the revenues come from you have to ask yourself is it a wise decision to demolish the Orland Plaza?

The demolition of the Mall is based on assumptions and hopes, not factual data. The Mayor may in time recoup the property taxes, but will he ever regain the sales tax revenues generated from these businesses? The decision to use TIF’s impacts schools and other taxing bodies. TIF’s is just a way of stealing property tax dollars from taxing bodies. It’s called robbing Peter to pay Paul. It will raise your property taxes. By keeping the Orland Plaza the budget will remain sound and the Village will be on a better fiscal footing for the future
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Have you checked your wallet lately?