The Will County Board received County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant’s proposed $791 million budget for fiscal year 2026, which holds the line on the property tax levy while funding key services. In her State of the County address, Bertino-Tarrant highlighted the county’s strong economic growth and outlined a plan that aims for fiscal stability amid the cessation of federal pandemic aid. For more details on the budget, see the full story. The board also took a formal stance against potential federal legislation that would allow larger and heavier trucks on national roads, citing public safety and infrastructure concerns.

In a contentious series of votes, the board first denied, then reconsidered and ultimately approved, a special use permit for a landscaping business in a residentially zoned area of DuPage Township. The debate centered on zoning precedent versus the unique circumstances of the property, which is largely surrounded by industrial parks. The board also approved updated fee schedules for the Recorder of Deeds and gave Crete Township the green light to install a new digital sign at its community center.

Landscaping and Liquor Permits Approved for Frankfort-Area Businesses
The board approved two special use permits for businesses in the Frankfort area. A permit was granted to Maria and Felipe Valladares to operate a landscaping and lawn maintenance business at 9003 W. Stuenkel Road in Green Garden Township, with conditions related to waste disposal and storage. The board also approved a permit for ancillary liquor service for Kismet Restaurant at 7805 W. Lincoln Highway and for Noble Ctr Lincoln IL, LLC at 19866 S. Harlem, both in Frankfort Township.

Joliet Township Property Rezoned for Truck Repair Facility
A 13.8-acre property at 918 Manhattan Road in Joliet Township was rezoned from a mix of agricultural and residential (A-1/A-2/R-3) to light industrial (I-1). The applicant, Manhattan Land LLC, plans to develop a truck repair facility on the site. The agent for the applicant voluntarily agreed to attempt to reduce weekend operating hours during the summer to accommodate neighborhood concerns, though this was not a formal condition of the rezoning.

Board Approves Multiple Public Works and Transportation Contracts
Several contracts for road and bridge projects were approved. These include a $1.46 million contract with “D” Construction, Inc. for the replacement of the Kankakee Street Bridge over Jackson Creek in Manhattan Road District. The board also confirmed a contract with Tri-State Asphalt for road materials and authorized supplemental professional service agreements with AECOM, Alfred Benesch and Company, and Ciorba Group, Inc. for various engineering and design projects across the county, including work on 80th Avenue and Bell Road.

Intergovernmental Agreements Expand County Radio System Access
The County Board authorized the County Executive to execute intergovernmental agreements to provide access to the countywide radio system for several outside agencies. New agreements will be made with the Town of Dyer, Indiana, the Lowell Volunteer Fire Department, and UChicago Argonne LLC. These partnerships enhance interoperable communications for emergency responders across jurisdictional lines.

Stipends and Grants Approved in Finance Consent Agenda
The board approved appropriating $19,500 in stipend payments from the state for elected officials, including the Circuit Clerk, Recorder, and County Clerk. Additional resolutions appropriated state grant funds for the Sheriff’s budget and authorized the County Executive to execute documents for the delinquent tax program.

Houbolt Toll Bridge Agreement Updated
An updated memorandum of understanding with United Bridge Partners regarding the Houbolt Toll Bridge was approved. The amendment reflects updated project terms, boundaries, and traffic management protocols for the public-private partnership aimed at improving truck access and regional freight mobility.