Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for December 11, 2025

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | December 11, 2025

Overall Meeting Summary
The Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, December 11, 2025, tackling a diverse agenda that included fiscal adjustments, labor contracts, and a heated debate over a school choice referendum. The committee ultimately rejected a proposal to place an advisory referendum regarding the “Educational Choice for Children Act” on the primary ballot, with members citing concerns over transparency and state-level control.

In financial matters, the committee took steps to shore up the finances of the county-owned Sunny Hill Nursing Home. Members voted to amend a proposed rate increase, raising the daily private pay rate to $435 to align with the facility’s actual cost per patient day. The meeting also included routine approvals for liquor licenses affecting businesses in Frankfort and Lockport, as well as a quarterly update from the Community Mental Health Board.

Correctional Officers Contract Approved:
The committee approved a new collective bargaining agreement with Will County Correctional Officers. According to county staff, the contract is designed to retain officers and reduce overtime costs. It includes wage increases of 10% for fiscal year 2024, 4.5% for 2025, and 4% for both 2026 and 2027. Additionally, the contract eliminates longevity pay for officers, which was noted as a cost-saving measure for the county.

Executive Branch Contract Ratified:
A separate collective bargaining agreement for the Executive Branch was approved for economics only. The committee ratified a one-year deal covering December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026, which includes a 3.5% wage increase. The short-term ratification was utilized to implement wage increases immediately and avoid the administrative burden of processing retroactive pay while other contract terms remain under negotiation.

Proclamation for Undersheriff Conser:
Despite board rules generally prohibiting proclamations, the committee unanimously voted to approve a proclamation honoring Will County Undersheriff Brian Conser for his service upon his retirement. Speaker Joe VanDuyne noted that a proposal to amend board rules to explicitly allow proclamations for honoring long-term employees and retirees will be brought forward next month.

Public Hearing Procedure Change:
Speaker VanDuyne announced a procedural change regarding public hearings for land use cases. Moving forward, the second public hearing for these cases will be held at the Land Use & Development Committee meeting rather than the full County Board meeting. VanDuyne stated this change aims to streamline full board meetings while still providing the public with two opportunities to be heard.

Budget Transfers and Tax Resolutions:
The committee approved fiscal year 2025 budget transfers to reconcile year-end line items. Additionally, several trustee resolutions were passed regarding the sale of tax deeds for properties in Joliet, Monee, Crete, Peotone, Green Garden, and other townships, returning these properties to the tax rolls.