JOLIET—The Will County Board today voted to begin negotiations with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) to coordinate Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) for individuals and families struggling to pay rent in Will County. The United States Treasury granted $20.6 million to Will County for rental assistance. The County will work with IHDA, which also received a grant from the federal government, so services are not duplicated and maximum relief is provided for residents. The ERA will provide direct financial assistance for rent and utilities.
​
“Countless residents have suffered great financial hardship during the COVID pandemic, and this type of direct housing aid can go a long way towards returning them to a sound financial footing,” said Mimi Cowan, Speaker of the Will County Board. 

JOLIET – In a special meeting today, the Will County Board authorized a contract for a new COVID-19 call center to assist the Will County Health Department with their call response. The Health Department has been inundated with inquiries in the last few weeks from residents seeking information on COVID-19 vaccinations. 
​
“The Health Department has been overwhelmed fielding calls from residents seeking information about the vaccine,” said County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan (Naperville). “The County Board has stepped in with extra funding to make sure residents get the information that they need and can get scheduled for a vaccination appointment.”

JOLIET – The Will County Board Capital Improvements Committee took the first formal step today to begin construction of a new county morgue by approving the framework of the process to bid out the design and building of this critical facility.
​
“County Board members have seen firsthand the need for a new morgue and are working together to address this issue,” said County Board Speaker Mimi Cowan.  “Will County is a growing county that must continue to be aggressive in planning for our future growth and I believe this project has bipartisan support to move forward.” 

JOLIET – The Will County Board approved the next steps to convert methane gas produced at the Prairie View Landfill into compressed natural gas. The board voted today to select SCS Energy to design and build a plant to convert the methane to renewable natural gas. Harbour Contractors from Plainfield will lead the construction piece of this project.  Currently, some methane gas is converted into electricity at the landfill with the remainder being burned off.
​
“Will County is a leader in green technology and environmental sustainability,” said Speaker of the County Board Mimi Cowan (D-Naperville.) “Whether it is solar electricity for the new courthouse, or trash at the landfill, we have an obligation to reduce our carbon footprint and lead the way toward a more sustainable community.”

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. 
​
“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.
​
“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.
​
“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.
​
“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.”