JOLIET – The Will County Sheriff’s Department got the green light today to purchase body cameras for its 212 deputies. The County Board voted today to appropriate $1.2 million to purchase the cameras which will be worn by deputies that respond to calls for service. 
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“Law enforcement body cameras are an important tool that provides transparency for deputies and the public,” said Will County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan (D-Naperville). “I’m pleased that the County Board will fund this initiative.”

JOLIET-- Organizational leadership took shape Monday as Will County Board members re-elected Dr. Mimi Cowan (D-Naperville) to a full two year term as Speaker, while Meta Mueller  (D-Aurora) was selected as Majority Leader and Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen) was chosen as Minority Leader. Margaret Tyson (D-Bolingbrook) will serve as Democratic Caucus Whip and Judy Ogalla (R-Monee) will serve as Republican Caucus Whip.
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“We have made great progress this past year, but we have major challenges facing our county as we simultaneously grapple with a worldwide pandemic, severe stress on our resources, and a struggling economy,” said Speaker Cowan. “I am humbled to accept this position as Will County Board Speaker and I am committed to working on behalf of all of the residents of our county while at the same time maintaining fiscally responsible county government operations.”

JOLIET – The Will County Board has approved a balanced budget of $567 million for the upcoming fiscal year that contains no new taxes and continues to provide essential services to taxpayers. The board has lowered the tax rate for the sixth year in a row. The 2020 tax rate will be 0.5769% which is lower than the 2019 tax rate of 0.5842%. The Will County Budget funds services ranging from road and infrastructure improvements, to public safety, and public health.

“It is vital that the county continues to meet the needs of our residents, especially during these uncertain times,” said County Board Finance Chair Ken Harris (D-Bolingbrook). “This budget meets those needs.”

JOLIET – The Will County Board has approved an allocation of $3 million to the three Will County 911 dispatch centers to support their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are from money that the county received through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
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“Our local first responders have seen marked increases in need as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan (D-Naperville). “First responders can’t stay home, they are out working every day, saving lives and ensuring our communities are safe, and with the added pressures from the pandemic, they need us to step up for them.”

JOLIET, IL – Will County officials today cut the ribbon on a new state-of-the-art courthouse and justice center, which replaces the smaller and outdated facility on Jefferson Street in Joliet. The public will begin using services in the new courthouse starting in early November.
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“With this courthouse, we have invested in the future of Will County,” said Will County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan (D-Naperville). “This LEED certified building will give visitors, employees, and jurors a safer, more efficient path to justice and public safety. With 38 courtrooms, in 10 stories, our courthouse provides space into which our growing county can expand.”

JOLIET--Will County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan has named Nick Palmer as Chief of Staff for the 26-member county board. Palmer, a Joliet native, was formerly top aide for the late County Executive Larry Walsh Sr. and brings nearly two decades of experience in Will County government to his new position.

 “We could not have found a better, more experienced individual than Nick Palmer to oversee county board matters and legislative issues,” said County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan (D-Naperville).  “Nick has worked closely with the Will County Board for 16 years and he will hit the ground running on day one when he assumes this post.”​

JOLIET – Small business owners and farmers impacted by COVID-19 in Will County can apply for financial assistance administered by the county beginning Monday, August 24. Applications will be accepted through the end of September. Applicants can apply for up to $15,000 in assistance through the Small Business Assistance Grant Program.

“The pandemic has devastated many small businesses in Will County, and I urge these businesses to take advantage of this assistance,” said Will County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan. “These grants can be used for operating expenses like utilities, rent, or the purchase of personal protective equipment for employees.”

The grants are made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Through the CARES Act, Will County has $24.1 million in grants available for small businesses. Small business owners should go to www. willcountyillinois.com/CARES-Act for more information and instructions on applying for grants.
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Local governments in Will County were recently able to begin applications for assistance administered by the county. Non-profits will be eligible to submit applications in the coming week. 
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 JOLIET- Will County residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns about truck routing at a virtual public workshop on August 13th. The workshop is being held to gather input from residents about combining a truck routing study with a transportation and community land use strategy, the goal being a balance between the two.

County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan said the workshop would lead to a comprehensive plan that melds the economic benefits of transportation with quality of life issues for Will County.
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"As an historian, I’m cognizant that, for almost 200 years, Will County has been central to the movement of goods throughout our greater region and the nation, " Speaker Cowan said. "While I am keen to see that centrality continue, one of my goals is to promote collaborative solutions that support economic development and maintain a high quality of life for all our residents. Moving Will County provides us with an excellent opportunity to do just that."

​JOLIET--  The Will County Board approved the appointment of Edna Brass to the board's vacant position in District 8. The appointment was made at the July board meeting and comes after the previous representative of District 8, Denise Winfrey of Joliet, vacated that seat to become County Executive following the passing of incumbent Lawrence Walsh Sr.