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Elections

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1. What are the voter registration requirements?

• Must be a U.S. Citizen


• Must be at least 18 years of age by election day


• Must have been a resident of the precinct at least 30 days prior to election day

2. When may I register to vote?

Registration is open year round except during the 27-day period just prior to an election and during the two days after such election (one day after in Chicago).

3. Where can I register to vote?

• DuPage County Clerk's Office


• DuPage County Elections Commission Office


• City and Village Offices


• Township Offices


• Precinct Committeemen


• Some schools


• Some public libraries


• Some labor groups


• Some civic groups


• Some corporations


• Military recruitment offices

When applying for services at the following:

• Driver's License Facilities


• Department of Public Aid Offices


• Department of Public Health Offices


• Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Offices


• Department of Rehabilitation Services Offices

4. What forms of identification are needed when I register to vote?

Two forms of identification with one showing your current residence address. If you register by mail, you must vote in person the first time you vote.

5. Do I ever have to re-register?

The only time you have to re-register is if you move to a different address or if you change your name.

6. Will I automatically be registered to vote when I renew my driver's license?

No, but you will be given the opportunity to register to vote. If you are already registered to vote, there is no need to register again unless you change your name or move.

7. Can I register to vote by mailing an application to my election office?

Yes. Under federal law, citizens may apply to register to vote by mailing in an application. The applications are available at some public and private facilities where you live. When you register by mail your mail-in form must be postmarked prior to the close of registration. Contact your local election office to learn more about registering by mail.

8. If I mail in an application to vote, can I vote by absentee ballot?

Unless disabled or in the military, people who register by mail must vote in person at the polling place or by in-person absentee voting the first time they vote.

9. When can I consider myself officially registered to vote?

As soon as you receive a voter ID card in the mail, you can consider yourself registered.

If you do not receive an ID card within three weeks after you registered, call the DuPage County Board of Elections Office at (630) 407-5600.

10. What if I change my name after being registered?

If you changed your name more than 27 days before the election and did not re-register, you cannot vote.

A person who changed his or her name within 27 days of the election, and still lives in the same precinct, may vote after completing an affidavit. A woman who continues to use her maiden name after marriage may vote without having to complete an affidavit if registered under her maiden name.

11. What if I move, can I still vote?

It depends on when you move. If you moved within 27 days of the election in the same precinct you can vote a full ballot by signing an affidavit. If you moved more than 30 days before the election within the county or municipality under a board of election commissioners, and did not transfer your registration, you can vote on a ballot for federal offices only, after completing an address correction form. If you moved within 30 days before the election outside of your precinct, but you still live in the State, and did not transfer your registration, you can vote a full ballot in your old polling place after completing an affidavit. If you moved more than 30 days before the election out of your county or municipality under the board of election commissioners and did not transfer your registration, you cannot vote. Additional information on elections can be found at:

• Illinois State Board of Elections
• DuPage County Elections Commission

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Police

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1. What should I do if I see a crime occurring?

Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Be observant and make mental notes, including asking yourself:

• Are there any weapons involved?


• What is the address?


• Are there any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?


• Can you give any clothing description?


• How many people are involved?


• Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

2. Do I have to give my name when I call 9-1-1?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential, just tell the operator.

3. Why did it take so long for the Police to come when I called?

All calls for Police Officers are handled on a priority basis. Calls requiring a Police Officer to make a report on a previous crime will have less procedure than crimes in progress where life and property are in serious danger. Due to high call loads during certain times of the week and day, you might be slightly inconvenienced until a Police Officer becomes available to take your call.

4. Why do I get 9-1-1 when calling the Police Department after 4:30 pm?

Normal business hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. After that time, all calls are forwarded to 9-1-1. Any police-related services are still available, so do not be deterred from calling 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations after 4:30 pm.

5. What is the curfew law and times?

The Winfield Village Code establishes curfew for minors (any person younger than 17 years old) from 12:01 am to 6:00 am on Friday and Saturday, and from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am on Sunday through Thursday night. Certain exceptions apply, such as an emergency.

6. What are the parking regulations in the Village?

The two most common parking questions deal with snowfall and overnight parking. There is no parking on the street after two inches of snowfall. Overnight parking, between 2:00 am and 6:00 am, is not permitted without prior approval. Permission can be granted if you contact either the Police Department at (630) 933-7160 during normal business hours or 9-1-1 after business hours. You may also register online. No permission will be granted for calls made after 2:00 am.

Register Online

7. How can I get a copy of a police report?

Requests can be made at the front desk of the Police Department, by mail (company requests should be on letterhead) or by email to ababic@villageofwinfield.com. There is a $5 charge for traffic crash reports. No reports involving juveniles will be disseminated.

8. What are the qualifications for the position of Police Officer?

Applicants must pass a written exam, physical agility test, medical exam, psychological exam, polygraph test, background investigation, and character investigation. On the day you are hired, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license without restrictions, and not have been convicted of a felony.

9. How long do I have to wait before I report someone missing?

There are several ways you can report someone missing, depending upon the circumstances. For example, if you become separated from a child in a crowd, you can notify a police officer or call 9-1-1. In non-emergency situations, you can call 9-1-1 or come to the Police Department at: 27W465 Jewell Road Winfield, IL 60190. It is always helpful if you can provide a recent picture of the missing person and a description of what the individual was wearing when last seen.

10. How can I get my fingerprints taken?

The Winfield Police Department provides fingerprinting services for a variety of reasons, including teaching credentials, adoptions, employment, sales, and real estate. We do not provide fingerprint services for immigration purposes.

Fingerprinting is done on Wednesdays on a walk-in basis. Fees are as follows:

• Residents (one card) - $15


• Non-Residents (one card) - $25


• Additional Cards - $5 each

11. How do I pay parking tickets and other ordinance fines?

There are several options to pay parking tickets and other ordinance tickets including by mail, in person and online. Please see details below. Note: No coins will be accepted as payment for fines.

Payment Options

12. How do I check on an ongoing case?

Call the officer assigned to your case. If you are unable to reach that person, ask to speak to a sergeant.

13. I want to solicit in town, do I need a permit?

Yes, solicitors must register with the Village and undergo a background check before they are granted a solicitor's permit. That permit must be displayed on the outermost garment in a highly visible location. Anyone violating these regulations is subject to a fine.

Solicitation Registration

14. Does the Police Department offer any tips for home safety?

The Police Department offers a free, confidential security survey to all residents in Winfield. This survey analyzes the present security level of the premise and makes recommendations on how to increase the level of security. If you are interested in setting up an appointment for a security survey, please call (630) 933-7160.

15. Does the Police Department offer any security tips for small businesses?

The Police Department offers a free, confidential security survey to all businesses in Winfield. This survey analyzes the present security level of the premise and makes recommendations on how to increase the level of security. If you are interested in setting up an appointment for a security survey, please call (630) 933-7160.

16. I'm going on vacation, will the Winfield Police check on my house?

Yes, the Winfield Police Department will check on your house while you are away. Fill out a Vacation House Watch Form to apply.

Vacation House Watch

17. I recently purchased new child seats for my car. Does the Police Department provide assistance in helping me install them properly?

No, the Winfield Police Department does not have any certified car seat technicians. All such requests will be forwarded to the Winfield Fire Protection District. To make an appointment with the WFPD, please call (630) 653-5050.

18. What if an organization claiming to be the police calls asking for a donation?

The Winfield Police Department NEVER solicits money over the phone. If you get a call claiming to raise money for the Winfield Police Department, report the call to the Winfield Police Department at (630) 933-7160. All calls will be kept confidential.

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Public Works

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1. Will the Village be providing a removal of tree limbs and branches damaged during a severe storm?

If the Village determines a storm is severe enough to warrant it, the Public Works Department will provide this service. Branches and limbs should be brought to the parkway in front of your residence with the base of the limb placed toward the curb.

2. Where is the Public Works Department located?

The Public Works Department is located off of Wynwood Road, near its intersection with Purity Drive, at the end of a long driveway.

3. What is Winfield's Snow Plowing Policy?

When conditions become hazardous, snow removal operations will begin. Snow plowing operations are carefully designed to allow for optimum use of available plowing equipment and personnel. These pre-determined routes begin with all Village owned major through streets, followed by commuter parking lots, and finally, side streets, dead ends, and cul-de-sacs. Depending upon when the snowfall begins, the commuter lots will be plowed at least once by 6:00 am. Using the priority system ensures that heavy access roads will be less accident prone for the traffic these roads generate.

Snow Removal Policy

4. What is Winfield's Salting Policy?

The Village of Winfield salts all Village owned streets as needed. A priority is placed on salting hills and intersections.

Since road salt and calcium chloride are caustic and in high concentrations can pollute, the Public Works Department attempts to be judicious with its use to protect local ecology. This means that drivers cannot count on totally clear pavement, and should exercise caution.

5. What are Winfield's parking regulations when it snows?

The Winfield Parking Ordinance states that vehicles parked on the right of way of any public street in the Village at any time within 12 hours after a snowfall of two inches or more, prior to snow removal will be ticketed and the violator will be fined.

6. Why does my driveway get plowed-in when a snow plow passes by my house?

The Village uses side delivery snow plows on its snow removal equipment. Side delivery snow plows are the fastest and most efficient means available to remove snowfall from the streets. As a result of the plow's design, snow is discharged to the edge of the street.

There is simply no way to prevent the deposit of snow at the entrances of driveways. It is an unavoidable by-product of the effort to maintain clear and safe streets for everyone in the shortest amount of time possible. If you can, wait until the street is plowed before clearing your driveway.

For the safety of others, please do not shovel snow off your driveway or sidewalk onto the street. The snow will harden and become compacted, creating a safety hazard.

7. Where does the Village get its water from?

The Village distributes Lake Michigan water that comes through the DuPage Water Commission.

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SBC Waste Solutions

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1. When is my trash pick-up date?

Refuse collection will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Winfield residents SOUTH of High Lake Road/Jewell Road will continue to have their refuse collected on Tuesdays. Residents NORTH of High Lake Road/Jewell Road will have collection on Wednesdays, and residents EAST of County Farm Road will be collected on Thursdays. Garbage, recycling, and yard waste will be collected on the same day. Separate trucks will be around to collect trash, yard waste, and recycling items.

2. What happens when there is a holiday?

The following observed holidays will push collection days back one day: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

3. What is the cost of the Flat Rate Unlimited program?

For 2022, the cost is $18.80 per month  billed quarterly from SBC Waste Solutions and includes a refuse container (your choice of 35, 65 or 95 gal). Please call SBC at 312-522-1115 to set up service. Senior residents (age 65) will receive a 10% discount ($16.61) with a valid ID at Village Hall.

4. How can I register as a senior to receive a discount for the Flat Rate program?

Seniors (age 65) can stop by the Village Hall with a valid ID and we will forward the information to SBC.

5. What is the cost of refuse/yardwaste stickers?

For 2022, the sticker price is $3.00 and the senior price is $2.65 (at Village Hall only).

6. Where can I purchase stickers?

View a list of our various sticker retailers on the Refuse page located under the Services tab on the home page. Seniors (age 65) can purchase discounted stickers at Village Hall only.

7. When should I have my garbage out to be picked up?

Refuse from residents should be placed out by 7:00 am on the day of collection.

8. Is there a maximum size for trash containers/bags?

For residents using the Sticker program, the maximum size container is 35 gallons. Maximum weight per container/bag is 50 pounds. One refuse sticker is required for each container/bag. For resident on the Flat Rate program, you have a choice of a 35, 65 or 95 gallon container when you sign up with SBC Waste Solutions.

9. When does yard waste pick-up begin and end?

Yard waste collection begins the first collection day in April and ends the last collection day in November. Yard waste will be collected on your regular pick-up day.

10. What will be picked up as yard waste?

Grass and Leaves - Grass clippings and leaves must be placed in 33 gallon biodegradable paper bags not to exceed 50 pounds. For those residents not on the Flat Rate program, each bag must have a sticker attached. Stickers will not be needed for leaves on designated Fall pick-up days. Branches - Branches must be tied in bundles with degradable jute twine which are no more than four feet in length and two feet in diameter, and should not exceed 50 pounds. One sticker must be attached to each bundle. Branches must not exceed four inches in diameter. Stickers will not be needed on designated Fall pick-up days. Sod - Sod should be placed in a bag or container that does not exceed 32 gallons or 50 pounds. It will be taken with a sticker attached to each refuse bag or container. Seasonal Leaf Collection - During the Fall seasonal collection period, residents must bag their leaves and place them at the curb by 7 AM on Monday of the designated weeks for free pick-up.

11. Where can I get a recycling can?

Recycling containers have been delivered to every residence in Winfield. The recycling can is the property of SBC Waste Solutions and should remain at the residence when the homeowner moves.

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TIF 2 FAQS

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1. What is a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District?

A TIF is a successful economic development tool used by many municipalities across Illinois. The purpose of a TIF is to promote redevelopment that would not otherwise take place. When a TIF is established, the “equalized assessed value” (EAV) of all the properties within the TIF District is frozen throughout the TIF’s duration, which is typically 23 years. Property taxes going to the municipality and other taxing bodies are then based on this frozen EAV. Any additional property taxes generated by an increase in the EAV over time (the increment) will go into a TIF fund, which the municipality can use to incentivize new development and construct public structures and amenities.  

When a TIF expires, all of the properties within the TIF go back on the tax rolls at their full assessed value, which means taxing bodies benefit from the new revenue they now receive thanks to the TIF-related development. 

2. What will the new TIF be used for?

The TIF will be used to meet the goals of and finance the Village’s Town Center redevelopment plan, which are to attract new restaurants and retail businesses, create new public amenities and beautification projects, and permanently generate additional revenue for the Village, schools, parks, library, Fire Protection District and other taxing bodies. The plan also allows for the construction of a new Village police department and municipal center, which will open up the current Village Hall site for redevelopment on a prime location right next to the Metra station.  

Ground has already broken on a new office building across from the Village Hall, which will host retail and restaurants on its first floor and serve as an anchor for further mixed-use development on surrounding blocks. 

Along with new businesses catering to residents and visitors, public developments will include a public plaza on part of the land currently occupied by the Village Hall, new streetscaping, outdoor furniture, plantings, sidewalks and other amenities.  

3. What are the key benefits of the TIF for Winfield?

•     Spur new economic development and create jobs that would otherwise not happen.
•     Attract new businesses and retain existing businesses.
•     Supply funding for new public amenities and beautification projects.
•     Provide residents with access to more local restaurants and retail establishments, as well as a more appealing and inviting Town Center.
•     Draw more visitors to Winfield – along with their outside spending.
•     Permanently generate additional property tax dollars for the Village and other taxing bodies, including schools, parks, library, Fire Protection District and others.
•     Accomplish these goals without raising residents’ property taxes.

4. Will my property taxes go up because of the TIF?

No. There are no tax increases attributed to the development of new business activity or infrastructure. Rather, incremental revenue generated is reinvested in the TIF and stimulates new investment both in, and often outside, the TIF boundaries.

Establishment of a TIF does not reduce property tax revenues available to the other taxing bodies in Winfield. These taxing bodies continue to collect property taxes at the base value throughout the life of the TIF.

5. Who supports the TIF?

The Joint Review Board, made up of representatives of the various taxing bodies has approved the TIF and many local elected officials and leaders in Winfield have spoken favorably about the plan.  

6. Why do some people oppose the TIF?

The reservations that some people have about the TIF is primarily due to a misunderstanding of how a TIF works. Once they understand that a TIF is a commonly-used and successful economic development tool and will not result in higher taxes or a greater burden for schools, their concerns are usually assuaged.  

7. How can I be sure this financing tool will work out for Winfield?

In Illinois, TIF districts are used by communities with both small and large populations. TIFs can help communities of any size build infrastructure and attract private investment. Many municipalities in DuPage County and across Illinois have brought significant development and traffic to their downtowns using TIFs—and that includes Winfield. Our existing TIF #1 in the Town Center has been a great success, including the construction of the recently completed 163-unit Winfield Station luxury apartment complex.

Additionally, establishment and operation of a TIF is completely transparent. Local governments (taxing bodies) monitor the progress of the TIF district. By law, all the school districts and major taxing bodies meet with the TIF municipality annually to review the progress of each TIF. Under Illinois law, municipalities have an obligation to cooperate with other taxing bodies in monitoring TIFs. The Joint Review Board must hold a public meeting annually to review the effectiveness and status of the TIF district and issue an annual report with financial disclosures. 

8. How will the TIF benefit the two local school districts?

TIFs can create new funding for schools. Schools continue to receive all the tax revenue they were entitled to before the creation of the TIF district. Also, improving the Town Center will increase the tax base in the long run. The property tax revenue generated from private development attracted by a TIF designation is truly "new" money. Without the TIF, development would not occur and the "tax increment" (increase in property values) would not be produced.

Some critics of TIFs argue that school districts are entitled to immediately receive a percentage of the TIF increment. However, it is the tax increment that pays for the improvement that attract private investment and stimulate growth. If the increment cannot be used for financing improvements and incentives, private investment and economic development will not occur, and no increment will be made available to any taxing bodies. With redevelopment, property values will rise in properties surrounding the TIF area as well, providing added revenue to the school district.

When the TIF district expires, the tax increment is returned to the tax rolls and available to schools and other taxing bodies.

9. What is the role of Central DuPage Hospital (CDH) in the TIF?

The Village has negotiated an agreement with CDH to act as a developer for this project. In return, CDH is constructing a parking deck to accommodate increased visitors and staff, which can also be used by residents and visitors on weekends. This agreement hinges on the Village creating TIF #2, which is the final ingredient needed for the redevelopment plan to work. 

As a nonprofit entity, the CDH parking deck would normally be exempt from property taxes. However, under our agreement, CDH will put the deck on the property tax rolls for 20 years. Tax revenue from the parking deck will contribute to the Village’s TIF fund established by TIF #2, along with other revenue generated by new development in the TIF. 

10. What is happening to the first Winfield TIF?

TIF #1 has been a great success, enabling, among other things, construction of the recently completed 163-unit Winfield Station luxury apartment complex. This complements the Town Center 1 building on Winfield Road just north of the Metra tracks, which was also a TIF project. 

When TIF #1 expires in 2027, its properties will bring a windfall of revenue for local taxing bodies, estimated at more than $750,000 dollars per year. But, these entities will actually see rewards much sooner than that. Immediately upon the Village’s approval of TIF #2, some of the parcels within TIF #1 will be returned to the property tax rolls, which will provide new revenue for taxing bodies six years ahead of schedule. 

The tables below show the estimated new revenue available for local taxing bodies over the proposed 23-year term of TIF #2 after returning some TIF #1 parcels to the tax rolls this year, and after TIF #1 expires in 2027. 

11. What are the next steps for the approval of TIF #2?

The Winfield Village Board will hear public comment on TIF #2 at its regular Board meeting on Thursday, September 16. After that, the Board plans to vote on advancing the TIF at its Thursday, October 7 meeting. 

The Village Board welcomes comments and questions about this important economic development project. 

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Water Meters

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1. How often will I receive a water bill?

There will be a monthly billing period.

2. Where is my water meter?

Your water meter may be located in the basement, in the utility room, in the crawl space, or usually along the front wall of your house.

3. How does the meter reading system work?

The Village of Winfield uses an automated meter reading system. Meter readings are transmitted automatically by radio signals from your water meter to collector sites throughout town. This information is then transferred to Village computers with cellular phone technology.

4. How do you know that my reading is accurate?

These state of the art water meters have electronic registers, which verifies the meter reading three times before it is sent to the transmitting unit. This reading is deemed more accurate than visually reading the meter.

5. How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else’s?

Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number, which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.

6. How long will meter installation take?

Under normal circumstances, the installation will take 15 to 30 minutes. The water will have to be turned off for about 5 to 10 minutes until the meter is changed. Please be advised that there may be some trapped air or slight discoloration in the water line. This will clear up after running your water for a few moments. You may hear some noise as the air exits spigots and fixtures. This is normal.

7. What if we have a leak after a meter is installed?

You may call the Water Department at (630) 933-7100 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00AM-3:30PM) or after business hours at DuComm non-emergency at (630) 668-0911. The Water Department will make every effort to dispatch service personnel as quickly as possible to determine the cause of the leak and to take appropriate action.

8. How do I know if higher usage may be a result of a leak in my plumbing system?

Your water meter may detect small leaks. Check faucets for small drips. To check your toilet tank for small leaks in the toilet bowl, place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the water in the bowl changes to the color of dye used in the tank, you have a leak. Seek assistance from your local home improvement center or plumbing professional to repair.

9. Is there a hazard from the radio transmitter in my home?

No, the radio signal is only on when the meter reading takes place. This is less than a few seconds per month. The power level is far below that where any risk occurs.

10. Is there anything hazardous inside the equipment?

No, only ordinary electronics and batteries are inside the equipment.

11. Will the radio interfere with my television, cordless phone or pacemaker?

No, the radio transmissions occur on a licensed frequency very different from those used by television signals, cordless phones and pacemakers. In addition, the transmissions last less than a few seconds each month. You will never see interference with your television reception.

12. Is this system monitoring my phone calls?

No, this equipment does not monitor phone calls.

13. Is this system monitoring how many people are in my house?

No, this equipment does not monitor how many people are in the house.

14. What happens if the wires are cut?

If the wires between the water meter and the reading unit are cut, the reading unit will signal that a wire cut has occurred. The Department of Public Works will respond to correct the problem. If the service person determines that a deliberate cut occurred, the owner of the property will be billed for the costs to repair.