Local Manhattan News
Will County Finance Committee Hits Impasse on 2025 Tax Levy, Postpones Budget Votes
Will County Finance Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee postponed votes on the 2025 tax levy and the 2026 budget after a contentious debate revealed a deadlock over a proposed 0% levy increase. Proponents of the freeze cited taxpayer relief, while opponents warned it would create a multi-million dollar…
Read MoreFederal Lobbyists Brief Will County on Government Shutdown, Warn of SNAP and TSA Disruptions
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025 Article Summary: Will County’s federal lobbyists reported that the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, is creating uncertainty for SNAP benefits and could threaten TSA agent pay during the busy Thanksgiving travel season. A potential deal is reportedly forming in the…
Read MoreWill County Committee Advances Gougar Road Bridge Project with Over $540,000 in Agreements
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved two key agreements for the Gougar Road bridge project in New Lenox, authorizing over $300,000 for supplemental design engineering and an estimated $240,000 to reimburse Nicor Gas for relocating facilities. Gougar Road Project Key Points: A supplemental…
Read MoreWill County Committee Shapes 2026 Legislative Agendas on Housing, Energy, and Health
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Legislative Committee for November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee advanced key priorities for its 2026 state and federal legislative agendas, focusing on securing funding for affordable housing, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and expanding mental health services. While most proposals from county departments were approved, committee members…
Read MoreCommission Grants Green Garden Solar Farm Project Variance Extension
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission granted a 180-day extension for two variances related to a commercial solar energy facility in Green Garden Township, allowing the developer to wait for optimal planting conditions in Spring 2026 before proceeding. The variances, originally approved…
Read MoreWill County Committee Advances Phased Takeover of Central Will Dial-A-Ride Service
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a five-year plan to consolidate the Central Will Dial-A-Ride service into its county-wide “Access Will County” program, a move aimed at creating a unified, more efficient public transportation system. The decision sparked a debate among board members…
Read MoreWill County Board Committee Passes Contentious ‘Live and Work Without Fear’ Resolution on 4-3 Vote
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday narrowly passed a controversial resolution affirming the county’s commitment to ensuring all residents can live without fear of racial profiling or unjust detention, following a heated debate over its factual claims and purpose. The resolution, which passed 4-3…
Read MoreWill County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding
Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include protecting Medicaid, expanding the public health workforce, and securing funding for the Children’s Advocacy Center. The committee debated specific language, particularly concerning services for immigrants,…
Read MoreIDOT Plans to Invest Over $1.3 Billion in Will County Roads Through 2031
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has allocated over $1.3 billion for road and bridge projects in Will County over the next six years as part of its newly released Multi-Year Program. County officials also announced the receipt of a $750,000 state…
Read MoreCommittee Advances 50% Increase in Mental Health Levy on 4-3 Vote
Will County Finance Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday narrowly approved a proposed $12 million levy for the Community Mental Health Board, a 50% increase from the previous year. The measure, which aims to bolster funding for mental health services across the county, passed on a contentious…
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