Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for February 19, 2026

Will County Board Meeting | February 19, 2026

Meeting Summary
The Will County Board meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, was marked by significant zoning decisions, including the unanimous rejection of a controversial solar farm in Troy Township and the split-vote approval of a clean fill operation in Joliet. The board debated the balance between property rights and community safety regarding a landscape business on Cedar Road, eventually approving the measure with strict conditions. Additionally, the board heard extensive public comment regarding election integrity and approved a legislative agenda for federal priorities.

News Briefs

Wilmington-Peotone Road Improvement Funded
The County Board approved a resolution allocating $1,989,737 in Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the improvement of Wilmington-Peotone Road (CH 25). The project covers the stretch from U.S. Route 45/52 to Center Road (CH 19) in County Board District 2. The board also approved an agreement with Alfred Benesch and Company for Phase I design engineering services for the project.

Sheriff’s Office Receives Contingency Funds for Freezer
The board authorized the transfer of $155,000 from the County Board Contingency fund to the Sheriff’s Office budget. The funds will be used to replace a walk-in freezer at the Adult Detention Facility (ADF) which is no longer operational. The resolution was passed as part of the consent agenda.

County Approves 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda
By a vote of 10-9, the board adopted its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda. The agenda outlines the county’s priorities for federal lobbyists, including protecting core human services programs, seeking funding for infrastructure projects like the Laraway Road Corridor, and advocating for policies regarding the DuPage River Study. The vote fell strictly along party lines, with Democrats voting in favor and Republicans voting against.

Audit of Homer Glen Law Enforcement Services
The board pulled a resolution from the consent agenda regarding a professional services contract for a financial analysis of law enforcement services provided to the Village of Homer Glen. The resolution authorizes the County Auditor to spend up to $75,000 from contingency funds to hire a consultant to evaluate the economic value of the services. County Auditor Duffy Blackburn explained that the current contract methodology dates back to 2007 and an update is needed to ensure costs are accurate. The measure passed 19-0 after assurance that the process would involve transparency and stakeholder input.

Traffic Signal Upgrades Approved
The board awarded a contract to Van-Mack Electric Co. in the amount of $1,479,999 for traffic signal upgrades at various intersections throughout the county. The project involves upgrading signal cabinets and equipment to enable Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) communication. This impacts Districts 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9.

Countywide Striping Contract Awarded
Preform Traffic Control Systems, Ltd. was awarded a $1,241,060.40 contract for countywide pavement striping. The work includes painting lane lines, edge lines, and other markings on various county highways across all districts.