Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for August 14, 2025

The Will County Board Executive Committee received a comprehensive update on the county’s expenditure of $134 million in federal ARPA pandemic relief funds, learning that 61% of the total has been spent with a deadline of December 2026 approaching. The committee also advanced an amendment to the Houbolt Road Toll Bridge agreement, a key step in finalizing a legal settlement between the bridge operator and the City of Joliet designed to protect the bridge’s revenue stream. (See our full stories for more details on the ARPA update and the Houbolt Bridge agreement.)

In other major discussions, the committee heard a proposal from the University of St. Francis to lead the board in a $12,000 strategic planning initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and setting unified county goals. Board members also engaged in a lengthy discussion about the growing problem of roadside litter blowing from garbage trucks, calling on staff to explore increased enforcement and cleanup options. (Full stories on the strategic planning proposal and the litter discussion are available.)

Radio System Pacts Approved
The committee approved agreements to provide countywide radio system access to UChicago Argonne LLC, the Town of Dyer, Indiana, and the Lowell Volunteer Fire Department. These pacts enhance interoperable communications for public safety and governmental agencies across the region, continuing the county’s efforts to broaden its reliable communication network.

Sheriff’s Office Receives Grant
The board approved appropriating a $24,999 grant for the Will County Sheriff’s Office from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. The funds will be allocated toward the purchase of machinery, according to budget documents, providing new equipment for the department without impacting the county’s general fund.

County Ordinances Updated
The committee approved ordinances amending four chapters of the Will County Code of Ordinances. The updates pertain to the County Nursing Home (Chapter 35), County Policies (Chapter 39), County Lobbyist’s Registration (Chapter 42), and Administrative Adjudication (Chapter 43). The changes were recommended by the Ad Hoc Ordinance Review Committee following its review.

Fitzgerald Appointed to Channahon Fire District
Andrew Fitzgerald was appointed to the Channahon Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. The appointment, recommended by the County Executive’s office, fills a vacancy left by Michael McMillin. Fitzgerald, a resident of County Board District 1, will serve a term ending in May 2026.

“Will County CARES” Mental Health Program Previewed
Board members discussed an upcoming proposal for a “Will County CARES” program, aimed at providing free mental health services to all county residents. Joliet Fire Chief Jeff Carey is expected to present the initiative, which has already been implemented in Joliet, at the September Public Health & Safety Committee meeting.

Local Vendor Preference Policy Update
An opinion from the State’s Attorney’s Office stating that a local vendor preference policy is not legally viable will be presented at an upcoming committee meeting. The opinion was requested in conjunction with a review of the county’s Responsible Bidder Ordinance (Chapter 41), which is expected to come back for final review next month.

Board Member Questions Bidding Process
Public Works Chair Jackie Traynere formally requested a State’s Attorney’s opinion on the county’s bidding process. Traynere questioned why, unlike the Forest Preserve District, the county board does not vote to approve going out for bid on projects, instead only seeing the results after bids are received. An answer is expected at the next committee meeting.

July Minutes Approval Postponed
The committee postponed approving the minutes from its July 10 meeting after a member questioned the accuracy of an entry regarding a discussion on a senior tax exemption. Staff will review the meeting recording to clarify whether a vote was taken, and the corrected minutes will be presented at a future meeting for approval.

Events

26 Aug
28 Aug
28 Aug
29 Aug
30 Aug
30 Aug 25
30 Aug
30 Aug 25

Latest News Stories

Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan

Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional district in southeastern Illinois, is reintroducing legislation...
Major U.S. retailer reverses course on tariffs, says prices will go up

Major U.S. retailer reverses course on tariffs, says prices will go up

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A major U.S. retailer that previously said tariffs wouldn't increase prices reversed course on Tuesday, with officials saying they expect "modest" price increases for some...
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker...
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026

Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains

Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Economic issues are front and center for Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois. Former Illinois GOP Chairman...
Exec Cmte 8.14.25.4

Executive Committee Details Spending of $134 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds

Article Summary: Will County has expended 61% of its $134 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with significant investments made in infrastructure, health, and economic development. Officials...
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards

Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois student leaders serving on state higher education boards will now receive $500-per-semester scholarships under a...
Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O'Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting

Illinois news in brief: Work begins on $1.5 billion O’Hare expansion; Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Work begins on $1.5 billion O'Hare expansion A new round of construction has begun at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Airline...
Soaring utility bills, solar federal tax credit cuts dominate Illinois energy debate

Soaring utility bills, solar federal tax credit cuts dominate Illinois energy debate

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Energy prices and clean energy policy took center stage during a senate energy and public utilities...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs crypto regulations

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker signs crypto regulations

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker signs crypto regulations Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed two laws to regulate cryptocurrency. Senate Bill 1797 requires cryptocurrency companies to...
Trucking industry leader: New law may drive business out of Illinois

Trucking industry leader: New law may drive business out of Illinois

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A trucking industry leader says more businesses may leave Illinois after the signing of Senate Bill 328....
Derailment disrupts train service for Chicago, New York, Washington, Miami

Derailment disrupts train service for Chicago, New York, Washington, Miami

By Alan Wooten | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Passenger train service involving routes to Chicago, Miami and New York is on hold because of a...
Democratic candidates focus on national politics in campaign for U.S. Senate

Democratic candidates focus on national politics in campaign for U.S. Senate

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois’ Democratic Party candidates for U.S. Senate have focused their campaigns on opposition to Republicans and President...
Chicago posts fewest homicides since 2016, arrests rate also declines

Chicago posts fewest homicides since 2016, arrests rate also declines

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, studies Chicago’s somewhat mixed-bag crime trend data with little question...
Illinois quick hits: Prosecutors charge two more in Tren de Aragua case; Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee meets today; Illinois Little League team loses in World Series

Illinois quick hits: Prosecutors charge two more in Tren de Aragua case; Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee meets today; Illinois Little League team loses in World Series

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Prosecutors charge two more in Tren de Aragua case State prosecutors have charged two more migrants as part of an investigation...