Mokena Hikes Business License Late Fees to $30

Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 22, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board has approved an ordinance that significantly increases the penalty for late renewal of business licenses from a tiered fee to a flat $30 fee. The change, the first since 2007, is intended to better cover administrative costs and align Mokena with neighboring communities.

Business License Fee Change Key Points:

• The board unanimously approved increasing the late payment fee for business licenses to a flat $30.

• The previous fee was $5 if paid within 30 days and $10 if paid after 30 days.

• The new fee will take effect with the Fiscal Year 2026 renewal cycle.

The Mokena Village Board on Monday, September 22, 2025, unanimously approved an ordinance to increase its business license late payment penalty to a flat $30, a substantial hike from the previous fee structure that has been in place since 2007.

According to Management Analyst Ashley Pala, the village’s current late fees—$5 for renewals within 30 days and $10 for those after 30 days—were outdated and disproportionately low compared to the staff time and administrative effort required to ensure compliance.

Pala informed the board that due to software limitations, the village’s system can only apply one uniform late fee, preventing the implementation of a sliding-scale penalty system used by some neighboring communities like Frankfort and New Lenox. As a result, staff recommended a single flat fee.

“A $30 late fee provides a more appropriate and practical penalty that is consistent, straightforward, and more aligned with peer communities,” Pala stated during the meeting.

The board’s approval of the new ordinance amends the Village Code and will become effective with the Fiscal Year 2026 business license renewal cycle. Pala noted that the change will be included in renewal letters sent to businesses, ensuring they are notified before the January 2026 implementation. The motion was approved unanimously.