JOLIET – The Will County Board voted today to lower the tax rate on the county portion of residents' tax bills for the third year in a row. The two percent reduction brings the tax rate down to .5941 percent. At the same time, the county will increase funding for the Health Department by $359,000. The board voted 14-9 along party lines to establish the tax levy.
 
“We’re holding the line on taxes,” said county board member and Finance Committee Chair Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen). “We’ve lowered the tax rate on the county portion of the tax bill and increased funding for the Health Department, which provides vital services to our residents.”

JOLIET— Will County has reached an unprecedented five year agreement with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) for a new contract on a wage and benefits package with county employees that would go through 2021. AFSCME ratified the agreement last night, and the board is expected to approve it on Thursday.
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"Our negotiations were very deliberate, and cooperation was key," said Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R-Frankfort). "I am proud that this county board could achieve this agreement without work stoppages or strikes. I believe all parties involved are pleased with the final product, but the biggest winners are the taxpayers.”

JOLIET— The Will County Board recently voted unanimously to increase funding for the Children’s Advocacy Center. The funding comes from a grant the center received from the Department of Justice, called the The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant. The grant will go into effect for the FY2017 budget.
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“The Children’s Advocacy Center’s work is essential, and we were more than happy to approve further funds for its good work,” said Will County Board minority leader Herb Brooks (D-Joliet). “As a member on the Children’s Advocacy Center’s board, I know that every penny is well spent on programs for children that need help.”
 
The Children’s Advocacy Center was awarded $151,204 through the VOCA Grant. Both Brooks and Will County Board Member Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen) sit on the Children’s Advocacy Center’s board.
 
“Children, especially those that have experienced some sort of trauma, sometimes don’t know how to express what they need and seek help,” said Fricilone. “That’s why the Center’s work is so important. It gives a voice to those who need it most.”
 
The Children’s Advocacy Center is a nonprofit that works with children who have been sexually or physically abused, or who have witnessed a violent crime. Each year, the Center serves more than 450 new children. It was first opened in 1995.
 
“These additional funds will allow the Children's Advocacy Center to expand critical  services for sexually abused children throughout Will County who turn to us for hope, healing, justice,” said State's Attorney Jim Glasgow, who founded the Center in 1995 and chairs its Board of Directors. “I would like to thank the Board for its approval and continuous support of our mission.”

JOLIET--  At today's Will County Board Meeting, members unanimously approved the appointment of Debbie Militello to the board's vacant position in District 6. The appointment comes after the previous representative of District 6, Ragan Freitag of Wilmington, retired from her position on the Board to become the Chief of Staff earlier this year.
 
Board Speaker Jim Moustis lead the search for a replacement board member, as the party of the departing board member gets to select the replacement. Kathey Havel, chairwoman of the Will County Republican Central Committee, nominated Militello for approval by the Will County Executive's office.
 
"I think Debbie will be a strong addition to the Will County Board, especially due to her extensive knowledge of the budget and of how Will County functions. Debbie also is uniquely qualified due to her experience in different levels of government, including local and state," said Board Speaker Jim Moustis. "The board will be working on a number of initiatives for county residents this year, and I'm glad we can move forward with a full board." 

​JOLIET, IL – At this month's Will County Board meeting, a representative from Waste Management presented Will County Board leadership with a $650,000 host community benefit check for the Laraway Recycling and Disposal Facility Expansion. 
 
"We've been working with Waste Management to find the best solution for the Laraway landfill for a while," said Democratic minority leader Herb Brooks (D-Joliet). "It's nice to have the expansion officially approved, and to receive this generous check. I want to give a big thanks to Waste Management for their continued support to District 8."
 
Waste Management began working with Will County in 2007 on a host agreement to take over the environmental remediation of the phosphogypsum stack at the site of the defunct Olin Chemical plant, in exchange for an expansion of the Laraway landfill.

JOLIET, IL – Ragan Freitag will be taking over as chief of staff for the Will County Board after five years of service as a board member. Freitag will replace Bruce Friefeld, who announced his retirement as the Board's chief of staff in December after 28 years of service.
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"Ragan is uniquely and highly qualified to be our next chief of staff, said Will County Board Speaker Jim Moustis (R- Frankfort). "She has worked on the federal, state and local levels of government for many years and will bring extraordinary knowledge and depth to this key position. I believe she will continue to display fair judgment and excel in her role as our next chief of staff."

Freitag has served the people of the 6th County Board District as a Commissioner since 2012. During her time as a board member, she has served on several committees, including the Executive, Land Use, Judicial and Capital Improvements of which she was chair.