Local Mokena News
Controversial Immigrant Rights Resolution Postponed by Will County Board After Heated Debate
Will County Executive Committee Meeting October 9, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee voted to indefinitely postpone a contentious resolution titled “Declaring Will County’s Commitment to Ensure Communities Can Live and Work Without Fear” after it drew accusations of containing false information and sparked a heated debate over its purpose and necessity. The…
Read MoreWill County’s Gas-to-Energy Plant Reports Nearly $460,000 Net Loss Amid Operational Setbacks
Will County Finance Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: Will County’s Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plant at the county landfill posted a net loss of nearly $460,000 for the fiscal year through August, after a summer plagued by mechanical failures, power outages, and maintenance issues that hampered production. Despite the challenges, officials remain optimistic…
Read MoreWill County Sees 50% Drop in Opioid Deaths, But Alarming Rise in Suicides
Will County Public Health & Safety Committee Meeting October 2, 2025 Article Summary: Will County is experiencing a dramatic 50% reduction in opioid overdose deaths compared to last year, a success officials attribute to proactive naloxone distribution and community programs. However, Coroner Laurie Summers reported a simultaneous and “condensing” increase in suicides, with rates on…
Read MoreAccess Will County Dial-a-Ride on Track for Full County-Wide Service in 2026
Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Access Will County dial-a-ride program is set for a major expansion in 2026, with plans to incorporate New Lenox, DuPage, and Wheatland townships and begin a five-year phase-in for the five central Will County townships. The expansion aims to create a…
Read MoreWill County Eyes Major Overhaul to Consolidate Scattered Government Offices
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: Will County officials are formally debating a new facilities master plan to address aging buildings and dozens of scattered departments, with options including a new, consolidated county building in downtown Joliet. The Board’s Capital Improvements & IT Committee on Tuesday discussed the…
Read MoreCounty Board Abates Over $25 Million in Property Taxes for Bond Payments
Article Summary: Will County property taxpayers will be spared over $25 million in taxes for the 2026 payment year after the County Board voted to abate taxes for six separate general obligation bonds. The board will instead use other county revenue sources to make the debt service payments, a common fiscal practice that avoids a…
Read MoreBoard Approves Engineering Contracts for Mokena Road Widening
Article SummaryThe Will County Board approved over $1.1 million in supplemental engineering contracts to advance the ongoing 80th Avenue improvement project in Mokena. The additional funding addresses project delays and design changes requested by other agencies. Mokena Engineering Key Points: Mokena Project: A supplemental contract of $1,062,982 was approved with Alfred Benesch and Company for construction…
Read MoreWill County Executive Proposes $791 Million Budget Focused on Stability Amidst Economic Uncertainty
Article Summary: Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant presented a balanced $791 million budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 that aims to maintain services and prepare for potential economic challenges without increasing the property tax levy. The plan leverages a growing tax base from new commercial and industrial development to fund operations while resulting in a…
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