Monee Accepts Energy Company Donation Despite Split Vote; Solar Firm Building Outside Village

Monee Village Board Meeting | January 14, 2026

Article Summary: The Monee Village Board voted 4-2 to accept a Community Benefit Agreement with Sparrow Property Management, LLC, associated with Earthrise Energy. The agreement includes a $100,000 donation to the village, despite the company’s solar project being located in unincorporated Will County outside of Monee’s jurisdiction.

Monee Village Board Key Points:

• The Agreement: The Board accepted a “Community Benefit Agreement” involving a $100,000 donation from the energy company.

• Location: The solar facility is being constructed in Green Garden Township and unincorporated areas, not within Monee village limits.

• Split Vote: Trustees Heidi Gonzalez and John Henson voted against the agreement; Trustees Doug Horne, Anthony Raczek (Rakis), Michael Wilson, and Scott Youdris voted in favor.

• Reasoning: Mayor Therese Bogs described the offer as the company wanting to “be a good neighbor” despite having to deal with Will County for permitting.

The Monee Village Board approved a donation agreement with a renewable energy company on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, though the decision was not unanimous.

The Board considered a “Sparrow Property Management LLC Energy Agreement” regarding a project by Earthrise Energy. Mayor Therese Bogs explained that the company’s future building and solar facilities are located outside the village limits in Green Garden Township and other unincorporated areas. Consequently, the project falls under the permitting jurisdiction of Will County rather than the Village of Monee.

“Basically, just because they’re so close, they want to donate some money to the village,” Bogs said. “To be a good neighbor.”

The Community Benefit Agreement included in the board packet specifies a donation of $100,000.

During discussion, Trustee Heidi Gonzalez questioned the village’s involvement. “We don’t really have much say about… we get notified of projects… but we don’t really don’t have much say on this project at all,” Gonzalez noted.

Mayor Bogs confirmed the village has no jurisdiction, stating, “It does not affect the village whatsoever.”

When the roll was called, Trustees Gonzalez and John Henson voted “no.” The motion passed with “yes” votes from Trustees Doug Horne, Anthony Raczek, Michael Wilson, and Scott Youdris.