Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for January 15, 2026

Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026

Meeting Summary
The Will County Board met on January 15, 2026, to tackle a heavy agenda focused on infrastructure investment, legislative policy, and personnel changes. The meeting opened with the recognition of two long-serving employees, Finance Director Karen Hennessy and Recycling Program Specialist Marta Keane, who are both retiring after 20 years of service.

Significant actions included the approval of an intergovernmental agreement to transfer the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District to the City of Joliet, backed by over $15 million in county funding. The board also approved over $22 million in transportation contracts but delayed the approval of its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda due to confusion over policy language regarding housing investors.

News Briefs

New Finance Director Appointed:
Following the retirement of Karen Hennessy, the board approved the County Executive’s appointment of ReShawn Howard as the new Director of the Will County Finance and Budget Department. Howard has served as the County’s Budget Director since 2014 and brings over 20 years of experience in government finance. Her appointment is effective February 1, 2026, with a salary of $140,500.

Zoning Case Withdrawn Following Resident Opposition:
A request to rezone a property at 501 Manhattan Road in Joliet Township from residential to commercial (C-4) was withdrawn by the applicant, John Keefe Jr., prior to a vote. Residents from the adjacent Sugar Creek subdivision spoke during public comment, raising concerns about dilapidated structures, debris, and people living in RVs on the property. Land Use Director David Dubois confirmed active code violations are being pursued regarding campers and property conditions.

Laraway Road Access Granted:
The board approved a request from Northern Builders for two access points on Laraway Road (County Highway 74) near Gougar Road in New Lenox. The access will serve a new office and warehouse facility. The resolution allows for one full access point and one right-in/right-out access to facilitate the development while maintaining traffic flow on the county freeway.

Mental Health Board Appointment Debate:
The board approved three appointments to the Community Mental Health Board: Juhie Faheem, Timothy McGannon, and Khadija Sufi. The appointment of Sufi passed by a vote of 13-9 following a failed attempt to call the question. Member Judy Ogalla opposed the appointment, arguing that individuals with strong political affiliations—specifically referencing staff of state legislators—should not serve on boards responsible for distributing significant funds.

Tree Removal Contract Awarded:
Homer Tree Service, Inc. of Lockport was awarded a $70,336.50 contract for countywide tree removal. The company was the low bidder for the project, which involves removing trees within the right-of-way of various county highways. Work is expected to begin in February 2026 and conclude by March 31, 2026.

Elwood Fire Protection District Appointment:
April Veerman was appointed to the Elwood Fire Protection District Board of Trustees to fill a vacancy left by Colleen Prieboy. Veerman, a resident of District 2, will serve a term expiring in April 2028. Her appointment was confirmed unanimously by the board.

Bridge Inspections Scheduled for 2026:
The Will County Board authorized a $140,220 contract with Willett, Hofmann & Associates for 2026 biennial bridge inspections. The list of structures to be inspected includes several key local roadways:

• Peotone/Beecher: Peotone-Beecher Road over the South Branch of Rock Creek.

• Green Garden: Bridges on Manhattan-Monee Road, Center Road, 104th Avenue, and Bruns Road.

• Frankfort: Bridges on Laraway Road, 80th Avenue, and Scheer Road.

• Crete: Western Avenue over Deer Creek and structures on Richton Road.

• New Lenox: Bridges on Delaney Road, Vine Street, and Marley Road.

Manhattan Zoning Case Withdrawn:
A controversial zoning case at 501 Manhattan Road was withdrawn by the applicant John Keefe Jr. before a vote could be taken. The request sought to rezone the property from residential to commercial (C-4) to operate a fencing company. Residents from the nearby Sugar Creek subdivision in Joliet Township had strongly opposed the plan, citing debris and people living in RVs on the site.

Enterprise Zone Payment for Land Use:
The Land Use Department received a $50,000 payment from the Joliet Arsenal Enterprise Zone. The board voted to appropriate these funds into the Land Use budget to cover professional dues and memberships. The Joliet Arsenal Enterprise Zone includes portions of Elwood and Wilmington.