WC Board
County Approves $15 Million Water System Takeover for Southeast Joliet Area
700 homes to receive upgraded service as Joliet takes control of failing sanitary district The Will County Board voted 20-1 to support dissolving the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and transferring its failing water system to the City of Joliet, setting in motion a $15 million infrastructure upgrade project. The resolution supports using $3 million in…
Read MoreBoard Postpones County Purchasing Code Overhaul Amid Union Contractor Debate
Members seek clarification on requirements that could favor unionized businesses The Will County Board postponed action on proposed changes to county purchasing ordinances after members raised concerns about language that could effectively exclude non-union contractors from public projects. The proposed ordinance updates, which would replace 1992-era procurement rules, include new “responsible bidder” requirements such as…
Read MoreAnimal Permit Hearing Reveals Neighborhood Disputes Over Horses, Roosters in Crete Township
Board postpones decision on Torres family request pending barn variance appeal A contentious hearing over Fernando Torres’ request to keep horses on his Crete Township property exposed deep neighborhood divisions and allegations of improper animal care and waste disposal. The board unanimously agreed to postpone the special use permit request until June after Chair Frankie…
Read MoreTransportation Projects Advance as Board Approves Vision Zero, Road Improvements
County adopts traffic safety initiative while funding major infrastructure upgrades The Will County Board approved a comprehensive transportation agenda including adoption of Vision Zero principles and multiple road improvement projects totaling millions in construction contracts. The Vision Zero designation commits the county to eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries through systematic safety improvements and data-driven…
Read MoreHealth Department Receives Budget Boost, Sunny Hill Admission Policy Updated
Board approves funding increases and policy changes for county health services The Will County Board approved budget appropriations for the health department and updated admission policies for Sunny Hill Nursing Home during its Public Health and Safety Committee report. The health department funding increase addresses operational needs and program expansions, though specific dollar amounts were…
Read MoreWill County Board Meeting Briefs Package
COUNTY APPOINTMENTS Fire Protection District: Board approved county executive appointments to Manhattan Fire Protection District board. Agricultural Committee: Approved appointment to Agricultural Area Committee with Member Judy Ogala abstaining due to conflict of interest. Housing Board: New appointments confirmed to CDBG Home Advisory Board for community development oversight. Sanitary District: Board positions filled for Bonnie…
Read MoreCounty Expands Transportation Program for Seniors Despite Funding Concerns
The Will County Board voted Thursday to expand the county’s Mobility Management Program to additional townships, despite some members’ concerns about funding and equity. The agreement amendment, which passed by a 14-8 vote, extends the transportation service to Channahon, Manhattan, and Plainfield townships. The program provides rides to seniors and those with disabilities for medical…
Read MoreCounty Approves $4.3 Million Purchase of Wetland Banking Credits for Highway Projects
The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has approved an agreement to purchase wetland banking site credits for $4,324,550 from V3 Wetland Restoration LLC to support future county highway improvement projects. Design Manager Eric Wessel explained that the credits are necessary for road and bridge projects adjacent to classified wetlands. “As we do road…
Read MoreCounty Board Approves Two Commercial Solar Projects Despite Farmland Concerns
The Will County Board approved special use permits for two commercial solar energy facilities during Thursday’s meeting despite concerns about the loss of agricultural land and opposition from at least one township. The board voted 13-9 to approve a special use permit for Jacob O Farms LLC for a solar facility near the northeast corner…
Read MoreCounty Board Sends ‘Vision Zero’ Safety Plan Back to Committee Amid Cost Concerns
A resolution to establish Will County as a “Vision Zero” county aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities was sent back to committee Thursday after board members raised concerns about potential costs and implementation. The Public Works and Transportation Committee had previously passed the resolution unanimously, but it faced resistance when brought to the full County Board…
Read More