Local Frankfort News
Will County Executive Committee Rejects School Choice Advisory Referendum
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee voted against advancing a resolution that would have placed an advisory referendum regarding the “Educational Choice for Children Act” on the March 2026 primary ballot. Proponents argued the measure would give voters a voice on federal scholarship…
Read MoreWill County Board Members Question Fairness of New Transit Tax Structure
Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: Will County Board members expressed concerns regarding the funding mechanisms and governance structure of the incoming Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). Members questioned the diversion of gas tax revenue from road maintenance and argued that Will County lacks sufficient representation on the new…
Read MoreRegional 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 MoreOgalla Blasts New State Solar Legislation
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | December 2025 Article Summary: During a discussion on zoning matters, Will County Board Member Judy Ogalla strongly criticized the passage of Senate Bill 25, which limits county authority over renewable energy projects. Ogalla described the legislation as “disgusting” and unfair to other developers. Solar Legislation Key…
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 MoreWill County Board Approves $2.7 Million Reserve Draw to Finalize 0% Tax Levy
Will County Board Meeting | December 4, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously voted to transfer approximately $2.78 million from cash reserves to balance the fiscal year 2026 budget. The move resolves a deficit created when the board previously voted to keep the property tax levy flat at 0% without reducing the corresponding…
Read MoreWill County Hikes Vehicle Impound Fees to $500
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: Drivers whose vehicles are seized by the Will County Sheriff’s Office for specific offenses will face a steeper financial penalty after the County Board approved a 43% increase in administrative towing fees. The fee, levied on top of towing and storage costs, is designed to offset…
Read MoreFrankfort Turns to County for Wildlife & Dangerous Animal Control
Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Village of Frankfort has entered into a two-year agreement with Will County Animal Protection Services to handle calls regarding bats and dangerous wild animals. The deal standardizes costs for the village, setting flat rates for call-outs to remove animals that pose a public safety risk.…
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