The Willow Springs Village Board voted 5-1 to approve the purchase of a 2024 Ford F-150 pickup truck for Village Administrator Ryan Grace. The $58,630 vehicle will be bought from Hopkins Ford in Elgin.
Finance Chair Tom Arra cast the lone dissenting vote at the May 8 meeting after unsuccessfully attempting to delay the purchase.
“I agree the truck needs to be replaced,” Arra said. “But I’m concerned the process lacked transparency, and I believe the truck is over-equipped with unnecessary features.”
Mayor Melissa Neddermeyer defended the purchase, saying the board packet containing all details was distributed well in advance. “This is a reasonable and well-vetted purchase,” she said.
Trustee Fred Posch added the truck may also be used by police and public works departments when needed, potentially saving costs by sharing resources.
In other meeting news:
- Mayor Neddermeyer and trustees Michael Kennedy, Rick Mika, and Tom Arra were sworn in for new four-year terms after running unopposed in the April election.
- Village officials issued proclamations honoring the police and public works departments ahead of National Police Week (May 11–17) and National Public Works Week (May 18–24). “Both departments do an outstanding job serving our community,” Neddermeyer said. “Their hard work keeps our village safe and running smoothly.”
- Village Administrator Ryan Grace announced that Mayor Neddermeyer was reappointed to the Illinois Tollway Board, which oversees tollway operations. “It’s a significant responsibility,” Grace said. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication she brings to this role.”
Willow Fest returns July 24–27 with music, fireworks and more
Willow Fest, the village’s annual summer celebration, will run from July 24 through July 27.
Mega passes are on sale now.
The entertainment lineup kicks off on July 24 with American English performing from 7 to 9 p.m. On July 25, Billy Gray takes the stage from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by Infinity from 9 to 11 p.m.
A Blues Fest is planned for July 26, with performers to be announced.
On July 27, Free Byrd plays from 3 to 5 p.m., Reckless follows from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Arra closes out the night from 8 to 10 p.m. The festival wraps up with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Before that, the village will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. on May 27 at Willow Springs Road and Archer Avenue.