Mokena Board Approves Sweeping Increases to Police Ticket Fines

Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 8, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board unanimously approved a new ordinance that significantly increases fines for a wide range of non-traffic municipal code violations, many of which had not been updated since 2009. The changes aim to bring Mokena’s penalties in line with neighboring communities and serve as a more effective deterrent.

Police Department Fine Increases Key Points:

• Fines for violations like open burning, disorderly conduct, and solicitation without a permit will see substantial increases.

• Police Chief Brian Benton stated the previous low fines, some as little as $25, no longer reflected the seriousness of the offenses.

• The new fine schedule was developed after a comparative analysis of fines in New Lenox, Frankfort, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Lockport, and Lemont.

The Mokena Village Board on Monday, September 8, 2025, unanimously approved a comprehensive overhaul of its ordinance violation fines, raising penalties for dozens of non-traffic offenses in an effort to enhance public safety and compliance.

Police Chief Brian Benton presented the proposed changes, explaining that many of the village’s fines had remained unchanged for over 15 years and were no longer effective deterrents. A comparative analysis of neighboring communities, including New Lenox, Frankfort, and Tinley Park, revealed that Mokena’s fines were often the lowest in the region.

“Many of our current fine amounts have remained unchanged since 2009, and they no longer reflect the seriousness of the offenses nor are they aligned with regional norms,” Chief Benton stated. “Such low fines no longer serve as an effective deterrent.”

The new fine schedule introduces significant increases across the board. For example:

• Parking Violations: Most parking, traffic, and equipment violations, previously $25, will now carry a $75 fine. A 2″ snowfall parking violation also increases from $25 to $75.

• Public Nuisance Offenses: The fine for open burning will jump from $25 to $75. Fines for having animals running at large or animal excrement on property will increase from $25 to $100 and $75, respectively.

• Disorderly Conduct: The penalty for disorderly conduct, such as loud music or parties, will double from $50 to $100.

• Alcohol and Tobacco: Fines for underage possession of alcohol and the sale of alcohol to a minor will be set at $200 and $500, respectively.

Benton explained that the goal is not to create a system that fully funds enforcement but to better offset the administrative costs associated with processing violations while encouraging compliance. The rationale for the update cited the outdated fine structure, regional comparisons, and the need for a revised, standardized schedule for the village’s Administrative Hearing Officer.

The board voted 6-0 to approve the new ordinance. Mayor George J. Metanias assured residents that the village would continue to update its services and ordinances to maintain community standards.