Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for April 14, 2026

Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | April 14, 2026

The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee held a highly efficient meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, advancing a half-dozen ordinance updates intended to modernize the county’s business regulations and public offense codes. Many of the county’s core ordinances have not undergone a comprehensive review and rewrite since 1980. The committee focused heavily on aligning local codes with shifting state statutes, particularly regarding youth offenses, tobacco, and cannabis. All ordinances advanced out of the committee will head to the County Executive and full County Board for final approval.

Alcoholic Beverage Fees and Caps Updated:
The committee unanimously advanced Ordinance #26-4240-02, which amends Chapter 110 regarding Alcoholic Beverages. According to the agenda packet, the ordinance raises several annual license fees, including increasing a Class A (Package – Premises) license from $2,000 to $2,500. The ordinance also officially adjusts the maximum number of licenses the county will issue for various classes; for instance, Class A1 licenses were increased from 11 to 14, while Class B (Premises Only) increased from 6 to 7. Staff noted the county rarely denies a license, maintaining a system where new applicants must go before the county executive and the board.

Video Gaming Fees Split Between Owners and Operators:
The committee approved Ordinance #26-4251-01, amending Chapter 121 regarding Video Gaming. The ordinance clarifies the collection process for the $250 annual fee imposed on each video gaming terminal operating in unincorporated Will County. To strictly adhere to state law, the county will now issue two separate $125 invoices per terminal—one sent directly to the location owner, and one sent directly to the terminal operator. Payment for the fees will be due no later than February 1st of each year.

General County Offenses and Curfew Statutes Modernized:
The committee advanced two ordinances dealing with general public offenses. Ordinance #26-4425 updates Chapter 130, which governs curfews and graffiti banning. The curfew remains strictly defined for persons less than 17 years of age, with fines ranging from $75 to $500 for violations. Ordinance #26-4455 amends Chapter 131, which covers offenses involving minors, specifically the unlawful possession or consumption of alcohol, as well as truancy. The truancy penalty for parents or guardians was adjusted to a fine of not less than $100, down from previous limits, aligning the local penalty closer to state mandates.