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.