Local Homer News
Regional Transit Agencies Tout New State Funding, Prepare for Shift to ‘NITA’
Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: Regional transit leaders presented their 2026 budgets to the Will County Board, highlighting that the recent passage of Senate Bill 2111 has averted a “fiscal cliff.” The legislation provides over $1 billion in new funding but also triggers a massive restructuring of the…
Read MoreMetra Announces No Fare Hikes; Highlights Bridge Projects in Joliet and Mokena
Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: Metra officials presented a balanced 2026 budget to the Will County Board, confirming that riders will not see a fare increase in the coming year. The agency also detailed capital projects affecting Will County, including bridge replacements and the rollout of new battery-powered…
Read MorePublic Works Committee: Will County Consolidates Paratransit Services Amid Funding Debates
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | December 2, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board’s Public Works Committee advanced an agreement to consolidate paratransit services into a single countywide system starting in 2026. While the move secures a $1.3 million subsidy from Pace, board members expressed concern over long-term funding stability and potential taxpayer…
Read MoreTensions Flare as Board Members Clash Over Budget Process and Protocol
Will County Board Meeting | December 4, 2025 Article Summary: A special meeting intended to fix a budget error turned contentious as board members traded accusations regarding transparency, meeting conduct, and the political maneuvering behind the budget deficit. Board Member Destinee Ortiz was ruled out of order during a heated exchange with County Executive Jennifer…
Read MoreCounty Takes Over “Central Will” Dial-A-Ride in Major Consolidation
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved an intergovernmental agreement to absorb the “Central Will” Dial-A-Ride system into the county-wide “Access Will County” network. The deal involves a five-year transition plan that will eventually shift all funding responsibilities from local townships to the County. Dial-A-Ride Consolidation Key Points:…
Read MoreWill County Board Rejects Proposed Tax Hike, Approves 0% Levy Increase in Contentious Vote
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: In a significant move providing relief to taxpayers, the Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, voted to approve a 0% increase to the annual property tax levy. The decision came after a contentious debate and narrowly defeated an initial proposal for a 2%…
Read MoreWill County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening Project
Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board has approved a $10.4 million contract with P.T. Ferro Construction Co. for a major roadway widening and reconstruction project on Bell Road in the Homer Glen area. The project is expected to improve traffic flow and safety along the busy corridor.…
Read MoreWill County Finance Committee Forwards 1.75% Compromise Property Tax Levy to Full Board
Will County Finance Committee Forwards 1.75% Compromise Property Tax Levy to Full Board Article Summary:The Will County Board’s Finance Committee on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, narrowly approved a series of property tax levies reflecting a 1.75% increase, breaking a weeks-long stalemate between factions advocating for 0% and 2% increases. The compromise package, which includes an…
Read MoreWill County Board Passes 0% Tax Levy, Creating “Unbalanced” Budget Crisis
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: In a contentious fiscal showdown, the Will County Board voted to keep the corporate property tax levy flat, rejecting a proposed inflationary increase despite having just passed a budget that relied on that revenue. The move forces the county to either cut operational costs significantly or…
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…
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