Oak Lawn Village Manager, Police Supervisors Get Pay Bump

OAK LAWN, IL — Oak Lawn Village Manager Tom Phelan will see a 5 percent increase in pay after village trustees approved the merit raise at their meeting this week.

Trustees agreed to increase Phelan’s salary to $206,080 retroactive to July 1 after officials praised the village manager’s dedication to local residents and to the village’s finances. Previous to Tuesday’s vote, Phelan had been earning $197,267.

In a statement released by village trustees, the board said that Phelan “is diligent and dedicated to developing the economic interests of the village. He effectively manages the village staff and is focused on making sound financial decisions. His involvement and relationships with the community, the residents, and surrounding towns is excellent.”

Phelan’s contract calls for him to receive a merit increase each year in addition to a cost of living raise, officials said. Phelan, who previously was the District 6 Trustee, received a 3 percent cost of living raise in May but did not receive a merit raise, last year, officials said.

“I’ve been overly impressed with his commitment, his work, his budgetary performance and his staffing,” Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer said at Tuesday’s meeting.

Trustees said in the statement issued by the village that pay increases are necessary to attract and retain top talent to the village.

Trustees at Tuesday’s meeting also approved a three-year contract with the Oak Lawn Police Supervisors Association. As part of the contract, top officers – including police commanders, lieutenants and sergeants – will receive a 3.5 percent increase in pay each year of the contract, officials said.

The pay increases for officers go into effect on Jan. 1.