Getting the word out on projects and programs has cost the Illinois tollway nearly $1 million over nine months in payments to three outside public relations firms, an amount suburban lawmakers call excessive.

The three firms are subcontractors for engineering consultants on projects ranging from the Central Tri-State Tollway widening between Rosemont and Oak Lawn to a proposed Route 53 extension in Lake County. Two firms have Republican connections.

A bill up for a vote by the Cook County Board next week could prevent a repeat of the county’s recent soda-pop tax fiasco—but it’s not a done deal, with the bill sparking an unusual dispute among what are normally board allies.

The proposal by Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia would establish a Consensus Revenue Forecasting Commission that, much like the Congressional Budget Office and a new unit recently established by the Chicago City Council, would issue regular revenue projections and notably “be responsible for evaluating” any tax proposed by the president or commissioners.