Committee: Facilities Department Reports $92,000 in Energy Savings, Completes Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout

Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | May 5, 2026

Article Summary
Assistant Director of Facilities Ken Rogalski reported significant energy savings and the completion of key county projects, including the new Veterans Assistance Commission office, during the May Capital Improvements meeting.

Facilities Update Key Points:

• The Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) buildout at 1300 Copperfield is complete, with staff officially moved in.

• Will County earned $92,180 in energy efficiency savings and rebates between January 2025 and March 2026.

• Facilities staff completed over 600 work orders in April 2026, maintaining a 97% on-time completion rate.

• County safety training is expanding, with “Stop the Bleed” classes now being offered alongside standard CPR and AED certifications.

The Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, received a comprehensive update from the Facilities Department, highlighting completed infrastructure projects and successful energy conservation efforts.

Assistant Director of Facilities Ken Rogalski delivered the presentation, opening with the successful completion of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) buildout at 1300 Copperfield. The project involved a full interior space renovation, roof replacement, and glass replacement, culminating in a February 2026 move-in and a recent grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Beyond physical renovations, the department reported substantial financial returns from its energy efficiency programs. According to data compiled by Johanna Strohschein, Energy and Conservation Specialist for the Land Use Department, the county realized $92,180.00 in earnings and savings between January 2025 and March 2026.

The financial breakdown included $46,298.00 in evaporation credits for the courthouse and Adult Detention Facility cooling towers, $23,994.15 in on-bill energy cost savings from equipment upgrades, $18,279.85 in utility rebates, and $3,608.00 from summer demand response programs.

“We’ve been doing ECMs [Energy Conservation Measures] throughout the county. Saved a lot of money so far over there, the $92,000, and we’re still going strong,” Rogalski told the committee.

Day-to-day operations also remain highly active. In April alone, the Facilities Department completed over 600 work orders, requiring over 450 hours of labor. The department noted an impressive average cost of just $16.50 per work order, achieving a 97% on-time completion rate.

Rogalski also highlighted the department’s ongoing life safety initiatives, led by Safety Manager Aaron Kazowski. The county has successfully distributed safety monitor kits to all departments and updated emergency floor plans. Routine CPR and AED classes continue to be successful, with the Recorder of Deeds team recently completing their certifications. Additionally, the county has launched “Stop the Bleed” training, with the Facilities team being the first to participate.

The presentation concluded with an employee highlight for Efrain Sanchez, a member of the Facilities Team working at Sunny Hill and the Health Department.

“Mr. Sanchez shows up every morning with a positive attitude whilst displaying professionalism and integrity,” read the commendation from Facilities Manager Tyler Bargas. “His collaborations with fellow team members showcase his natural leadership and mentorship.”