The Will County Board navigated a contentious meeting on September 18, 2025, marked by narrow votes on two highly debated land use issues in Crete and Homer Glen. The board ultimately approved a controversial substance abuse recovery ranch in Crete Township despite strong local opposition and also voted to authorize condemnation proceedings to acquire land for the long-disputed widening of 143rd Street in Homer Glen. The board’s approval of the Second Story Recovery Ranch and the decision to move forward with eminent domain for the 143rd Street project both passed after extensive public comment and pointed debate among board members. For more details on these issues, please see our full coverage.

The meeting also included a series of votes to extend permits for multiple solar farms, signaling delays in the renewable energy sector, and the abatement of over $25 million in property taxes. The board also handled a number of contracts and appointments, and the public comment period included a heated exchange between members over immigration enforcement and board decorum.

Car Dealership Approved for Plainfield Industrial Park: The board unanimously approved a special use permit for Rev Auto LLC to operate a used automobile dealership at 10051 Bode Street in Plainfield. The business, located in the Arrowhead Industrial Park, will keep vehicles for sale primarily indoors. Land Use staff confirmed that any future outdoor expansion would require additional permits and Health Department approval to ensure the septic system is not compromised.

Peotone Farmland Rezoned for Sale: A 39-acre property at 31414 S. Egyptian Trail in Will Township was rezoned to facilitate the sale of a 10-acre parcel. The board unanimously approved the map amendment, changing 10.08 acres from E-1 (Rural Estate Residential) back to A-1 (Agricultural). The change will allow property owners Mark and Doris Baumgartner to combine two five-acre lots into a single 10-acre parcel for a prospective buyer.

County to Develop Strategic Plan with University of St. Francis: The board approved a partnership with the University of St. Francis’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence to develop a county-wide strategic plan. The agreement, at a cost not to exceed $15,000, will create a formal plan to guide decision-making and the prioritization of county resources. The process will involve stakeholder engagement and community input over approximately six months.

Construction and Design Contracts Awarded: Davis Concrete Construction Co. was awarded a $418,875 contract for countywide concrete repairs. The board also approved a $468,374 supplemental agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. for Phase II design engineering services for the widening and reconstruction of Laraway Road from Cedar Road to Wolf Road in County Board District 2.

County Approves IGA for License Plate Readers in Romeoville: The board authorized a renewed intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Romeoville for the placement of license plate reading cameras on county highways within the village. The agreement continues a partnership for the use of surveillance technology aimed at ensuring public safety on the roadways.

Agreements with Wilton Road District and Enbridge: The board approved granting county aid to the Wilton Road District for the construction of a new bridge over Forked Creek Tributary on Barr Road. In a separate action, the board authorized an agreement to reimburse Enbridge for the cost of relocating its facilities to accommodate improvements on Exchange Street from Country Lane to Michaels Street.

County Code Ordinances Updated: Acting on recommendations from its Ad Hoc Ordinance Review Committee, the board passed several ordinances amending the Will County Code. The updates affect chapters related to Purchasing, Solid Waste Disposal, Water Well Permits and Water Supply Regulations, and Waste Hauler Reporting. One change included amending waste hauler reports from semi-annual to annual submissions.

Board and District Appointments Approved: The board confirmed several executive appointments to local districts. Kerry Morris was reappointed to the Godley Public Water District. Paul Laurisden, Doug Pryor, Clyne Namuo, Ben Stortz, and Mike Paone were reappointed to the Workforce Investment Board of Will County. Kimberly Hartley Chval was reappointed to the Bonnie Brae Forest Manor Sanitary District.

$350,000 in Contingency Funds Approved for Legal Claims: The board authorized the use of $350,000 from its contingency fund to cover costs for general liability deductible and self-insured retention claims through the end of the fiscal year. The transfer was requested by the Director of Human Resources and approved by the Finance Committee.

Assessors Association Asks for More Funding: In a public comment submitted to the board, the Will County Assessor Association expressed its support for ensuring the Will County Supervisor of Assessments office receives adequate funding. The association stated that investments in modern software and sufficient resources would assist Township Assessors and benefit all property owners in the county.