Orland Park Board OKs Hefty Hike to Mayor's Pay

ORLAND PARK, IL — Over the objections of many residents in attendance, the Orland Park village board on Monday agreed to more than triple Mayor Dan McLaughlin's salary.

McLaughlin, who currently makes $40,000 a year, will make $150,000 at the beginning of the next term in May, should he win another term in April.

The board's action followed outrage from residents, who called the pay hike "offensive" and "deplorable,"Chicago Tribune reports. They called for a referendum to address the question.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the increase. McLaughlin abstained from the vote.

As part of the agreement, the mayoral role will become a full-time one; McLaughlin has said he would step down from his position as executive director of the Builders Association.

The board contends the move will ultimately save money, by eliminating the need to hire a second assistant village manager and an economic development director.

Read more from the Chicago Tribune.