Hanover Park changes slogan, approves budget
Hanover Park faces a unique situation with the village’s division among multiple counties, townships and school districts.
That’s why officials felt it was important to come up with a new slogan to help unify and solidify the various components.
“One Village — One Future” is the result, with Mayor Rod Craig believing it will serve as an overarching theme to help focus decision makers as they manage the village.
The village board recently approved the slogan to replace “Unity through Diversity,” a saying that never really caught on. It’s part of Hanover Park’s new three-year strategic plan, which took months of planning to create and replaces a document dating back to the ‘80s.
The board also approved the fiscal year 2012 budget, which became effective May 1. The spending plan doesn’t raise property taxes or tap into reserves. It calls for two more public works employees, bringing the village’s total workforce to 197.
The operating budget increases 4.4 percent to $37.8 million, while the total budget is up 4.7 percent to $67.2 million. Officials point to growth in the village for increased revenue.
“It’s a budget that goes to the taxpayer last for money,” Trustee Bill Cannon said.
Officials say budget decisions align with the new 122-page strategic plan, which also updates Hanover Park’s mission to “provide responsive and effective municipal services toward the goal of maintaining a good quality of life for residents and businesses within the community.”
More specifically, the plan outlines several goals for the next three years including work to begin improving the overall image of the village in order to make it a more desirable place to live and raise a family.
Other goals include making Hanover Park an attractive location for businesses; upgrading public safety communications and IT systems; developing a staff training facility; and beginning planning for a new joint fire, police and public works facility located in the village’s south end.