The Will County Board unanimously approved a resolution at its last board meeting opposing legislation that allows private companies to perform foreclosure sales and eviction proceedings. House Bill 5055 passed both Houses unanimously on May 26th and now awaits Governor Pat Quinn’s signature.

“The county’s current system to carry out judicial sales and evictions is both fair and equitable,” said Chairman Jim Moustis. “The Sheriff’s Office has a solid track record of consistency and uniformity in diplomatically managing the sale of thousands of properties. There is no good reason for the State of Illinois to change this process. I am requesting the Governor to veto this bill immediately.”

The board’s resolution points out that the Office of the Will County Sheriff successfully managed the sale of 2,011 foreclosed properties in 2009, and thus far in 2010, there have been 1,469 sales. It is projected that number will reach 2,500 by the end of the year. However, HB5055 would give plaintiffs, typically banks, the ability to select who conducts the foreclosure sale instead of a court.

“The Sheriff’s Office has rules and regulations in place that are sensitive to a tenant’s best interests, such as not evicting on holidays and coordinating with moving companies’ schedules,” said Lee Ann Goodson, chair of the legislative committee (R-Plainfield). “These types of situations require tactfulness and respect that may not happen if a private company is concerned only with how fast it can put a property back on the market.”

Many other board members echoed the same sentiments and worry private companies will not be compassionate to people losing their homes and undergoing a traumatic life-event.

“The residents of Will County deserve a lot better than this piece of legislation,” said Minority Leader Walter Adamic (D-Joliet). “Our process is a well oiled machine that is not broken and does not need to be fixed. Besides the most important issue of causing undue stress on homeowners already dealing with the difficulties of foreclosure, Will County stands to lose millions of dollars in needed revenue.”

Last year, Will County received approximately $1.5 million through performing judicial sales, and officials estimate this year will net $2.5 million for the general revenue fund. Each foreclosure sale brings in about $500. During a housing downturn, this money helps to offset the loss of county revenue through permits, building and recording fees, and other income derived from housing developments.