County Board Approves Major Code Updates, Discusses Employee Benefits
The Will County Board Executive Committee approved several ordinance updates Wednesday while engaging in detailed discussions about employee compensation and benefits.
The committee passed ordinances updating three chapters of the county code, including revisions to personnel regulations, emergency management agency structure, and public records procedures. The updates include changing the Emergency Services and Disaster Management Agency to the Emergency Management Agency and updating various statutory references throughout the code.
A significant discussion emerged regarding longevity pay for county employees during review of the personnel regulations chapter. Board member Jim Richmond raised concerns about the cost of longevity payments, which he calculated at approximately $340,000 annually based on the 2025 budget.
The county currently provides two types of longevity pay: a modest payment starting at $6 per month after three years of service (maxing out at $40 per month), and a $200 monthly payment for employees who reach the top of their pay scale. Richmond suggested the board should examine these costs in future budget discussions.
“We’ve gone from like four or $500,000 to three-quarters of a million dollars in just the past three or four years,” Richmond said, noting the increases have accelerated as the $200 payments expanded.
The committee also approved contracts totaling $1,725,000 for workforce development programs with Joliet Junior College, including $1,300,000 for youth occupational training and $425,000 for work readiness programs.
Other approved items included property acquisition contracts for a new highway maintenance facility in Monee totaling $545,000, and funding for River Valley Detention Center improvements including a $180,000 body scanner and $136,000 in structural modifications to comply with state juvenile justice standards.
The committee also approved appointments to the Lockport Cemetery Association and METRA Commuter Rail Board.
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Poll: Majority believe free speech in U.S. headed in wrong direction
Illinois quick hits: Chicago treasurer to boycott U.S. securities to protest against Trump; Governor marks opening of new union training center; Illinois farms expected to lose $67.2 million a year
Trump signs executive order to improve foster care
Hegseth announces Operation Southern Spear, targeting narco-terrorists
Illinois quick hits: WARN Act reporting shows 1,600 job losses in October
Pritzker, alders oppose Chicago tax plans, property tax hike could be next
Boeing to pay $36M to family of Indian woman killed in Ethiopia Air crash
WATCH: Lawmakers call out Pritzker for lack of transparency with budget cuts
IL congressman pushes military to accept CLT, experts say it could shape education
New Lenox Solar Farm Gains County Committee Approval with Conditions
Committee Approves Frankfort Township Gaming Bar on Split Vote
Crete Township Senior Group Home Gets Unanimous Committee Support
