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Orland Park board renews PR contract after heated debate over scope and political ties
Summary
Trustees approved a $5,000/month contract with Publicity Communications LLC after extended discussion about the vendor's value, vague scope language, and concerns some trustees called political hiring; at least two trustees voted against the renewal.
The Village of Orland Park board voted to renew a professional services agreement with Publicity Communications LLC to continue providing public relations services at $5,000 per month after a lengthy and at times contentious discussion.
Under the proposal — brought under village manager authorization — George said the contractor has helped with communications support and enhanced public engagement since the board engaged the firm a year ago. Trustee Canas and Trustee Healey opposed the renewal, calling it "political hiring" and noting past concerns about vendor performance; Healey said he would vote against the contract. Other trustees defended the contractor’s contributions and described the role as part‑time without benefits, intended to supplement the village’s four‑person communications team.
Trustee Lee and others said the outside consultant provides specialized marketing and outreach capacity during peak workload and noted examples of recent outreach and event support. Trustees also asked for clearer scope language and measures of hours and deliverables; one trustee observed that the payment schedule appeared longer than the scope of work.
After discussion, the motion to authorize and execute the agreement passed on roll call; the transcript records at least two dissenting votes. Staff said the contract supports heightened engagement that helped secure state funding and other benefits for the village, and that the contractor will continue to work in coordination with internal communications staff.
