Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for Jan. 13, 2026

Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026

The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, to continue its comprehensive update of the county code. The committee reviewed and advanced amendments for eight different chapters of Title IX, covering topics ranging from animal control to emergency telephone systems.

Assistant State’s Attorney Phil Mock guided the committee through the changes, many of which were designed to align county ordinances with current state statutes. All items approved by the committee will now move to the Executive Committee for further review before a final vote by the full County Board.

Ferrets Grouped with Dogs and Cats:
The committee approved amendments to Chapter 90, Animal Protection Services, which clarifies that ferrets are treated similarly to dogs and cats regarding rabies regulations. Assistant State’s Attorney Phil Mock explained this is because ferrets, like dogs and cats, can contract and transmit rabies. During the discussion, Board Member Mica Freeman inquired about “steer tailing” at rodeos, but was informed that the county cannot regulate the practice until the state legislature grants them the authority.

Fireworks Ordinance Repeal:
The committee voted to repeal Chapter 92 regarding Public Fireworks Displays. Mock explained that under state statute, only counties with populations under 400,000 are authorized to regulate and license private fireworks displays. As Will County’s population exceeds this threshold, the existing ordinance was deemed invalid. Board Member Daniel Butler voted against the repeal.

9-1-1 Surcharge Correction:
An amendment to Chapter 94 regarding the Emergency Telephone System was advanced to correct a discrepancy in the fee structure. The text of the ordinance was updated to reflect that the monthly surcharge is $1.00, correcting previous text that listed it as $0.75. Officials confirmed this change aligns with what is currently being collected.

Firearms and Railroads:
Updates to Chapter 95 regarding firearms were approved to match state law. Mock noted that the state removed a provision that previously prohibited shooting within a railroad corridor. Consequently, the county was required to strike that specific restriction from its own ordinance.

River Wake Zone Repeal:
The committee voted to repeal Chapter 96, which regulated wake zones on the Kankakee River. Mock stated the ordinance was originally created when a former Sheriff purchased a boat for river patrol. However, the current Sheriff’s Office reportedly does not have a boat or enforce these specific wake regulations, rendering the ordinance obsolete.

Swimming Facility Codes:
Chapter 97 regarding Public Swimming Facilities was updated to adopt state codes by reference. This “referencing ordinance” ensures that whenever the Illinois Department of Public Health updates its swimming facility rules, the county’s ordinance automatically aligns with the new state standards without requiring a new county vote.