County Board Briefs: Volunteer Recognition, Courthouse Renaming, Legislative Support
Emergency Management Volunteers Honored: Will County Emergency Management Agency Director Allison Anderson recognized EMA volunteers during Thursday’s County Board meeting in observance of Volunteer Appreciation Month. Anderson reported that 70 active volunteers contributed nearly 7,000 hours of service last year, worth an estimated $232,186 in savings to the county. Eighteen volunteers who completed more than 80% of the total volunteer hours received the Presidential Service Award. Volunteers assisted with damage assessment after July tornados, helping recover almost $4 million in aid for residents, and monitored ice jams during Wilmington flooding.
Old Courthouse Property Renamed: The board voted 21-1 to rename the old courthouse property to “Courtside Plaza.” The resolution was part of the county’s ongoing effort to redevelop the downtown Joliet site after the demolition of the old courthouse building.
Senior Tax Exemption Process Streamlined: County Board members unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Supervisor of Assessments to apply qualified senior citizens homestead exemptions in subsequent years without requiring annual reapplication. The change follows a state statute amendment that allows counties to continue the exemption once initially approved, rather than requiring seniors to reapply each year. The exemption applies to property owners 65 and older and is automatically removed when a property is sold.
Board Supports Electronics Recycling Legislation: The board voted to support Illinois House Bill 3098 and Senate Bill 2414 related to electronics recycling and waste reduction. The resolution passed unanimously after Board Member Judy Ogala noted the importance of expressing support to state legislators for these sustainability initiatives, which align with the county’s legislative agenda.
Raffle License Waiver Approved: The board unanimously approved a raffle license waiver provision request, though details about the specific organization or event were not discussed during the meeting.
Board Approves Multiple Fire Protection District Appointments: County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant’s appointments to several fire protection districts were approved, including appointments to the Wilmington, Rockdale, Northwest Homer, Lockwood, Manhattan, Mokena, Channahon and Steger Estates fire protection districts.
Executive Makes Health Board Appointments: The board approved appointments to the Will County Board of Health, part of a series of appointments to various boards and commissions that included the CDBG and HOME Advisory Board, Emergency Telephone System Board, and the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Richmond Calls for Regional Economic Development: Board leader Jim Richmond called for a regional approach to economic development, citing Will County’s advantageous location along major interstates, rail lines, and near air transportation. Richmond challenged the region to streamline processes to attract manufacturing and technology companies back to the United States. “We have a regional responsibility to actually try and help streamline the process, the procedures to actually get some of these organizations and corporations to actually move back here,” Richmond said.