County Board Approves Major Code Updates, Discusses Employee Benefits
The Will County Board Executive Committee approved several ordinance updates Wednesday while engaging in detailed discussions about employee compensation and benefits.
The committee passed ordinances updating three chapters of the county code, including revisions to personnel regulations, emergency management agency structure, and public records procedures. The updates include changing the Emergency Services and Disaster Management Agency to the Emergency Management Agency and updating various statutory references throughout the code.
A significant discussion emerged regarding longevity pay for county employees during review of the personnel regulations chapter. Board member Jim Richmond raised concerns about the cost of longevity payments, which he calculated at approximately $340,000 annually based on the 2025 budget.
The county currently provides two types of longevity pay: a modest payment starting at $6 per month after three years of service (maxing out at $40 per month), and a $200 monthly payment for employees who reach the top of their pay scale. Richmond suggested the board should examine these costs in future budget discussions.
“We’ve gone from like four or $500,000 to three-quarters of a million dollars in just the past three or four years,” Richmond said, noting the increases have accelerated as the $200 payments expanded.
The committee also approved contracts totaling $1,725,000 for workforce development programs with Joliet Junior College, including $1,300,000 for youth occupational training and $425,000 for work readiness programs.
Other approved items included property acquisition contracts for a new highway maintenance facility in Monee totaling $545,000, and funding for River Valley Detention Center improvements including a $180,000 body scanner and $136,000 in structural modifications to comply with state juvenile justice standards.
The committee also approved appointments to the Lockport Cemetery Association and METRA Commuter Rail Board.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
JJC Board Meeting Highlights Tensions Over Legal Bills, Trustee Conduct
Students, Trustees Emphasize Importance of Inclusivity and Flag Raisings at JJC
L-W School Board June 26 Meeting Briefs
JJC Embarks on New 10-15 Year Facilities Master Plan Process
Meeting Summary: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for June 25, 2025
Will County Board Halts Transportation Plan After Contentious 143rd Street Debate
Will County Board Upholds Zoning Denials, Rejecting Developer Appeals
Split Vote Halts Monee Truck Terminal Project
Future Quarry Fight Looms as Board Approves ‘Tequila Barrel’ Retreat
News Briefs from the Will County Board June 18 Meeting
Manhattan Police Department Welcomes New Full-Time Officer
Village Approves New Truck Purchase for Public Works Department
