Local Homer News
Will County Hears Proposal to Establish County-Focused Land Bank for Distressed Properties
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | May 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee on Thursday, May 14, 2026, heard an introductory presentation from Will County Center for Economic Development official Doug Pryor on the possibility of establishing a Will County-focused land bank to return tax-delinquent, abandoned and vacant properties to…
Read MoreAging Systems and Judicial Mandates Drive Significant FY2027 Budget Requests for Will County Courts and Sheriff
Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryMultiple Will County justice and public safety departments detailed millions of dollars in operational and capital needs for FY2027, citing obsolete software, aging jail infrastructure, and new Appellate Court mandates that will significantly drive up costs. Justice System Budget Key Points: The 12th District…
Read MoreWill County Health Department Warns of Potential Federal Funding Cuts and Rising Healthcare Costs for FY2027
Will County Board Finance Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryThe Will County Health Department presented its preliminary FY2027 budget outlook to the Finance Committee, warning of a looming $1 million increase in employee health insurance costs and the potential loss of millions in federal grant funding tied up in national lawsuits. Health Department…
Read MoreAccess Will County Dial-A-Ride Reports Massive Growth After Consolidating Paratransit Services
Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryThe Access Will County Dial-a-Ride program has seen explosive growth in ridership following a major consolidation of local transit services, providing borderless, county-wide transportation for seniors and residents with disabilities. Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Key Points: The paratransit program is now…
Read MoreWill County Planning and Zoning Commission Recommends Denial of 6,099-Acre Earthrise Solar Project After Court-Ordered Hearing
Will County Board Special Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | May 12, 2026 Article Summary: Following a court-mandated cross-examination hearing, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 1-4 to recommend denial of a special use permit for the massive Lincoln Solar Energy project spanning three townships. Earthrise Solar Project Key Points: The PZC voted 1-4…
Read MoreCommittee: Capital Improvements Committee Weighs $300 Million Options for Downtown Joliet Campus
Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryThe Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee is evaluating four multi-million-dollar proposals to replace aging county buildings, balancing the specific spatial needs of the County Clerk’s office with a debate over the legalities and logistics of potentially relocating the county…
Read MoreState Legislative Update: Housing Mandates, Mega Projects, and Data Centers Prompt Local Control Concerns
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryState lobbyists from Mac Strategies briefed the Will County Board Legislative Committee on the final push of the spring legislative session, highlighting concerns over Governor J.B. Pritzker’s “Build Illinois” housing plan, energy regulations, and “mega project” incentives. Committee members questioned the potential loss of…
Read MoreWill County Committee Hits Brakes on License Plate Reader Agreements Awaiting Privacy Policy Review
Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026 Article SummaryThe Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee delayed votes on five intergovernmental agreements for Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, citing the need to review vendor privacy policies. The decision followed a robust debate featuring local police chiefs who defended…
Read MoreWill County Passes Comprehensive Adult Entertainment Ordinance
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board passed Ordinance 26-133, enacting Chapter 119 of the Business Regulations to establish rigorous licensing, operational, and structural guidelines for adult entertainment establishments in unincorporated areas. Adult Entertainment Regulations Key Points: Imposes a $200 administrative processing fee and requires a $5,000 surety…
Read MoreWill County Board Approves Controversial Solar Farms Following Court Mandate
Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: Under the strict constraints of a court-issued writ of mandamus, the Will County Board grudgingly approved multiple special use permits for commercial solar facilities. The approvals included the 2,258-acre Plum Valley Solar project, while the Board simultaneously passed a resolution urging state lawmakers to restore…
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