The Mokena Village Board on June 9 adopted its budget for the 2026 fiscal year, a plan that includes significant spending on infrastructure and technology, and also approved utility rate increases for residents. The board held a public hearing for the budget, which projects $48.4 million in expenses across all village funds. Key investments include over $3.5 million for road resurfacing and funding for a new village-wide software system.

To cover rising costs, the board approved a water rate increase of 30 cents per 1,000 gallons and a sewer rate increase of 15 cents per 1,000 gallons. The water rate hike was identified as a direct pass-through of costs from the City of Chicago.

In other business, the village extended its traffic signal maintenance contract with H&H Electric at a reduced annual cost of $17,905, as Will County has taken over three intersections previously maintained by Mokena.

Infrastructure Payments Approved
The village board approved its monthly accounts payable list totaling $2,011,862. The list included two major partial payments for infrastructure work: $554,221 to P.T. Ferro Construction Co. for the Fiscal Year 2025 street improvements program, and $241,067 to Davis Concrete Construction for the ongoing sidewalk and curb replacement program.

Pollinator Week Proclaimed
Village Clerk Melissa Martini read a proclamation officially recognizing June 16-22, 2025, as National Pollinator Week in Mokena. The proclamation encourages residents to participate in activities that support and protect essential pollinator species like bees and butterflies, which are critical for maintaining healthy ecosystems and are currently in decline.

Festa Italiana Previewed
Ray Loffredi, Vice President of Mokena Festa Italiana, promoted the upcoming 13th annual festival, which will be held on Saturday, July 26, at its new location in Yunker Park. Loffredi gave the board and audience a preview of the event’s entertainment by performing two songs popularized by Frank Sinatra.

New Businesses Announced
The board heard an update on new businesses coming to the village. The list includes several professional services, a new owner for Smoothie King, and the much-anticipated opening of Taco Tavern. The restaurant has completed its inspections and is expected to hold a soft opening within a few weeks.