Orland Park officials presented and the board approved the FY2026 operating and capital budget and the property tax levy at the Dec. 1 meeting. Finance staff summarized a year‑long budget process and framed the 2026 budget around a public‑safety theme: the package funds eight new sworn police officers, a shift to 12‑hour schedules, new police vehicles and equipment, expanded emergency‑management staffing (transitioning from volunteer to part‑time paid OPEMA personnel), and technology investments such as a public‑information officer and a drones‑as‑first‑responder pilot.

The proposed levy submitted to the county totaled $21,049,048 (village $13,669,063 and library $7,379,985). Staff and trustees emphasized the budget was balanced within the village’s financial policy, keeping a general‑fund reserve target at roughly 41.5% (well above the 20% policy). Staff listed cost‑saving measures including joining an intergovernmental benefit cooperative (projected multi‑year savings), reduced concert expenses, insurance broker savings, and active debt renegotiation.

Trustees engaged in extended debate over the scale of new hires (roughly 30 positions discussed across departments), possible near‑term increases to insurance and pension costs, and whether some positions should await outcomes from a planned service‑delivery review. Supporters argued the hires are necessary to maintain newly built capital assets (Centennial Park West, training facility) and to reduce service lag; skeptics urged greater restraint and phasing. After discussion, the board adopted the tax and budget ordinances by roll call.

Quotable: Finance presenter: “We are happy to announce that there are no new taxes as part of this budget.” Trustee Healy (skeptical of scale): “I just think in '26 it's just such a huge increase of $6,000,000 in payroll overall, and it's just way too much.”