Orland Park officials voted Monday to rehire former Village Manager George Koczwara, although some trustees urged the board to take more time before making a decision.

Koczwara was manager for five years before leaving last June, and is being rehired, effective immediately, at a salary of $207,000.

The village attorney will also draft a one-year employment agreement.

The action was taken at a special Village Board meeting Monday, with a closed-door session taking place beforehand.

Mayor Jim Dodge ran with a slate of village clerk and three trustee candidates, won election and were sworn in May 5.

Dodge defeated Keith Pekau, who sought a third term as mayor and ran with his own slate, in the April 1 election.

While Dodge and the other new officials took care of basic village business at the May 5 meeting, the hiring of Koczwara was the first substantive action taken since the change in administration and makeup of the board, which now gives the new mayor a 4-3 majority.

Jim Culotta, previously assistant village manager, has been interim village manager since Koczwara’s departure.

Previously village administrator in Shorewood, Culotta was in the interim position since October.

Carol McGury, who ran for trustee with Pekau, questioned Monday why the board was rushing to make an appointment and urged colleagues to rethink their choice.

Another resident said he agreed with the board’s decision to take action right away.

“We need someone now who can step into the job immediately,” and that Koczwara is “already familiar with our operations,” he said.

Resident Joseph Solek questioned why the job had not been advertised and other candidates considered.“What’s the hurry to appoint a new village manager?” he asked.

Trustees Cynthia Katsenes and Michael Milani, previously elected to the board under Pekau’s support, said the important position of village manager required more study.

Katsenes said approving a village manager, which he said in many ways has more of a role in the day-to-day operations than the mayor, is “one of the most serious votes a trustee can make.”

She said the village should step back and “conduct an open and transparent process” and that, in the meantime, “the village has been in very capable hands” with Culotta.

Milani also questioned why there had not been a job posting or interview process, saying hiring a new manager “is a very important topic.”

He made a motion to table a decision, which failed before the vote, 4-2, to hire Koczwara. Trustee William Healy was not at the meeting.

mnolan@southtownstar.com