[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6091212,"mediaKeyId","2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00","parentId",2863980,"title","Committee forwards proposal to raise countywide and county board salaries to executive; debate highlights job scope, pension and timing","audioSeconds",2665,"startMs",6838000,"endMs",9503000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00&start=6838&end=9503","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00/thumbnail_6838000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6091212/Will-County/Illinois/Committee-forwards-proposal-to-raise-countywide-and-county-board-salaries-to-executive-debate-highlights-job-scope-pension-and-timing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091212-520bfdf17ccf64d833e32d2b8bb3612e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032054&Signature=M8q3KJonozV64SkpKU7vLmQ2PcaHOnKFblJo4yKxH5RAFMkb1Fo0dovNvhm6H4KDWaxfNKc7-BbWwy3KHZqt2~eA2~WUBIWojNDlttTJFJkHS0YHQY6V8voXoLrcxNFt77Gjq3tUpwB-HD8ZG3xCfE2saXsXeUZG5e-Ces9R-FwVKaSnO-i~8DZLBM6pG-LLcrWOKTTl0g7AwYn3nrHzV5le8He68OmZnyfhNTtAkB9v--NmwpKB3iml6sl1QCnXSb8cEeO6gM2YJhodwCryeAs6C46XlWgWZn3YlBuMTtaYF3ALdkctEAB6hKr8jvPLK5jxtouJKDcjN7OBRJAkbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Will County, IL","date","2025-04-02T19:51:56Z","article","The Will County finance committee debated a proposed schedule of salary increases for countywide elected officials and county board members before voting to send the proposal to the executive committee for further review and a possible county board public hearing.

Committee members and staff discussed the absence of single, consolidated job descriptions for countywide elected offices and noted statutes often define duties across multiple documents. Finance staff provided historical context showing the last comprehensive salary change occurred in the mid‑2000s and presented a worksheet that illustrated projected budget impacts if the increases were implemented (staff estimated a first‑year net cost of roughly $136,000 to the county’s payroll budget under one scenario).

Members raised several questions: how salaries compare with peer counties, how increases affect retirement (IMRF) and benefit costs, whether countywide offices function as full‑time positions, and whether county board compensation should remain a part‑time stipend. Multiple members asked staff to prepare IMRF and fringe‑cost estimates, and several requested succinct job summaries from countywide offices to clarify duties. Some members said higher pay could attract different candidates and recognize increased workload; others cautioned against sudden large increases and recommended staged or smaller annual adjustments instead.

After discussion the committee voted to forward the salary schedule to the executive committee with direction that additional materials be prepared for executive and county‑board consideration — including pension/IMRF cost impacts, job‑scope descriptions or presentations from countywide officers, and options for phased increases. Roll call recorded at least one “no” vote and the motion carried.

The committee’s vote advances the item for placement on the county board calendar; any final salary changes would require county board action and, where applicable, alignment with statutory payroll and benefit rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Will County Finance Committee Meeting April 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After extended discussion about the duties of countywide elected officials and county board members, the finance committee voted to forward a proposed salary increase schedule to the executive committee; members asked for job summaries, IMRF cost information and further review at the executive and full board levels.","taxTitle","Will County, Illinois","taxId",2549,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6091216,"Officials say Channahon industrial projects will soon complete abatements; county to receive long‑term tax revenue",401,6395000,6796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00&start=6395&end=6796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00/thumbnail_6395000.jpg","/articles/6091216/Will-County/Illinois/Officials-say-Channahon-industrial-projects-will-soon-complete-abatements-county-to-receive-longterm-tax-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091216-84920ebb8f79bba8af0086122cef18c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032054&Signature=Vau3A1kAGK4X3VZHthO8fzZTH3rXtIqzycfVqMMjKjP4R-2wLuI8jRwtCAslNJZ70GsPXRGfifSPHOPav4RRJ88Zpam~vw7ti44kDY9ShpSgb35byLlgy98MtGIxFzfGzPmGVhaMl0h0xFMQdo-t2ny0B0azzcW4CzHU6i1QYJcbw1TZhVYrmfZtFSRKNYVGRS-~8yAg4mGynJ1EObDqRBYvZCl0qH74rWo0MZjht5LqOO5gpeHkUAf7XpQU4nsLM7iDWY3f2S3Qmx5154C-F0Z0jJ~G3GQWanNsPBQFernh0r0rsxEBGhsvJKzaxxmNaqdUNp42bFlwv4q-Axu4Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village of Channahon officials briefed the Will County finance committee on two prior tax‑abatement/rebate agreements that supported public improvements and industrial development in the Channahon Corporate Center and the Crossroads 55 Business Park. Officials said the agreements have produced completed buildings, several high‑value employers and a steady increase in the county’s nonresidential tax base.

Tom Durkin, village administrator, and Heather Wagenblatt, Channahon finance director, told the committee the county and other taxing bodies voted to abate or rebate property taxes to help the village finance road and water main improvements needed for private development. Durkin said the 2015 Channahon Corporate Center required interchange work at I‑55 and Bluff Road and extension of a water main; the public cost at the time was roughly $4.2 million and the resulting development includes an Amazon sortation facility, IMC Trucking and Michelin. The Crossroads 55 Park (2017) included more extensive public improvements at an estimated $10.5 million and produced three buildings housing an Amazon fulfillment center, Scotts and Cardinal Health.

Durkin told the committee some abatement schedules are completing this year: one of the Crossroads buildings (Cardinal Health) and other early buildings will be satisfied this year or next, and as the abatements expire the county will begin to receive full property‑tax receipts from the developments. He said the projects raise the county’s expected annual receipts from these parcels to about $282,000 under current EAV and levy rates, versus roughly $800–$1,000 annually if the land had remained undeveloped farmland.

Channahon officials thanked the county for the earlier participation in the rebate/abatement agreements and described the projects as regional cooperation that attracted jobs and additional residential growth potential.

The committee accepted the update; no formal county financial action was required at the meeting on these completed or maturing abatements.","Village and county representatives reported that two enterprise‑zone tax‑abatement agreements tied to development in Channahon are maturing and will increase county property‑tax receipts by roughly $282,000 annually once all buildings complete their abatement schedules.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6091221,"Finance committee approves a package of health and workforce appropriations, and funds consultant study for Medicare/Medicaid billing",751,3295000,4046000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00&start=3295&end=4046","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00/thumbnail_3295000.jpg","/articles/6091221/Will-County/Illinois/Finance-committee-approves-a-package-of-health-and-workforce-appropriations-and-funds-consultant-study-for-MedicareMedicaid-billing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091221-41878193de7d9922eadce816c080f1cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032054&Signature=M09xNCYp11OWE-m5wvDw3LUr5CbfP6IZd6yYwpFJM5OOf0Tw164R9kp7KQEBUHP2RltS0y0TmtLHgs5KFM4A0VDWvW6vZ6~Xl4BXILlf6lZoPkbO5qvFXR7OCNLXj88XI8ealErzNQBLIUbCYpibaOxPGQkkxZe3ISRQb7viewHSqYGRQATG6k6leHSu~TUORpHDy2P6aTGhumONzqTF4VkuMO3d7EocjKgQaMU~Miv~ev4TbYRlGeRwWax0V-jSEboIvgRiYxdXe5QUT7j-YU6lEKK1pBSa8u0A4vPCDMOHtJbxbeZIy2U0rOoaRNDKuVKAEU4kEC1yKpca4IlQBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Will County finance committee approved multiple budget actions covering public‑health programming and workforce sponsorships and voted to use contingency funds to seek a consultant to review Medicare and Medicaid billing and reimbursement practices for the county health department and Sunny Hill nursing facility.

Committee members unanimously approved a transfer within the health department budget to cover temporary contracted staff while permanent hires are pursued. Elizabeth Bellata of the Will County Health Department described the temporary contractors as stopgap staff until permanent hires are in place.

The committee also approved appropriations to support suicide‑prevention programming in the health department; staff said funds will be used for training, office supplies and peer‑support work with police, fire and dispatch agencies. Elizabeth Bellata described the program as training peer responders within first‑responder agencies and providing gun locks and related prevention tools.

A separate appropriation was approved for respiratory surveillance, a grant intended to fund communicable‑disease investigators and outbreak response for respiratory illnesses and other public‑health events. Staff explained the grant supports outbreak response in nursing homes and other congregate settings and noted federal funding for surveillance programs may be at risk.

The committee approved the appropriation of sponsorship funds already received by workforce services for a Pathways to Professions event. Staff said the event has already occurred and the sponsorship receipts are being formalized in the workforce budget.

On a related item, the committee approved a request to use county board contingency funds (one‑time, not recurring) to issue a request for proposals and hire a consultant to help Sunny Hill and the health department review billing and reimbursement practices for Medicare, Medicaid and managed care. Directors from Sunny Hill and the health department described growing administrative strains: managed‑care claims, Office of Inspector General (OIG) reviews and recoupment requests have created revenue and documentation pressure. Sunny Hill staff said prior audits and recoupment demands have required staff time to respond and that Medicaid accounts for a large portion of revenue at the facility.

Finance and Sunny Hill leaders said the $150,000 contingency request would fund an RFP and short‑term consulting engagement; contingency funds would be transferred into appropriate department professional‑services lines for payment. Committee members asked for reporting on scope, expected deliverables and whether some savings or recoupments have already been identified. The committee approved the contingency transfer and instructed staff to work with the executive office on routing funds and RFP language.

Votes: Items were approved by voice or roll call as recorded in committee minutes; where a roll call was requested, members voted in favor and motions carried.","The committee approved transfers and appropriations for health‑department temporary staff, suicide‑prevention and respiratory surveillance grants, sponsorship funds for workforce services and a $150,000 request from contingency to fund an RFP for a Medicaid/Medicare billing consultant to assist Sunny Hill and the county health department.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6091224,"Will County board hears refinancing plan to refinance and tender taxable bonds, seeks executive approval",2914,224000,3138000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00&start=224&end=3138","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2863980-dbfa00aab6b9292821d70f030b7a4a00/thumbnail_224000.jpg","/articles/6091224/Will-County/Illinois/Will-County-board-hears-refinancing-plan-to-refinance-and-tender-taxable-bonds-seeks-executive-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6091224-1aabd7089a4279500aa4928ff3db50ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032054&Signature=ZB2HpC0687Uee2JUQL5NQa-YnSq~bmgOSRmK0xXZ~91BMmVHbvHAgeLVougdop1SbXtiTPAwuBcenIvEOG2bCRJvRg8Yu4ziOsk9Rj5AX-AVZFL8G~63R8wVa3vSpBRFjchsQCxVOBrH2KP8aBc5ajvJxE7OUlyRYPD22AeRSEjgAMDgpFkuJXiHS8wa8QO~Yu-Bpwa59EcCpf7nrEu15i9riC6AvdwRJpgcK89yaHnOUN7l88XzEJusa-1KtFNORGPKsuJOIcxi2BLzler~CbBXgZSKCH1KDi-o8b~MjCQelVNk-TiL3qODLTFDrIdLUZId-TPHqkv9QgOIFN4b8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Will County Finance Director Karen Hennessy and outside advisers told the county finance committee that the county can pursue two debt-saving moves: a conventional refunding of callable 2015–2016 road bonds and a voluntary tender of a 2020 taxable issue that could be repurchased at below-par prices. The committee voted to move the proposal to the county executive committee for consideration and to schedule the required public hearing.

Hennessy explained the legal and practical framework for municipal debt and said the county is authorized to issue debt by state statute. She outlined participants in a bond issuance—municipal advisor, underwriter, bond counsel, disclosure counsel, paying agent and rating agencies—and the roughly three-month timeline to prepare an offering, obtain ratings and price new bonds. “There’s a lot of partners you work with, and the resulting paperwork is something that you’re committing to,” she said.

Brian Lipensk, executive director in Wells Fargo’s public finance group, and municipal adviser representatives from Spear Financial described a two-part opportunity. They said roughly $41 million of 2015/2016 series bonds become callable in November 2025 and can be refunded with new, lower-cost tax-exempt debt once the county authorizes the transaction. Separately, they proposed a voluntary tender of Series 2020 taxable bonds (about $150 million outstanding) where holders would be invited to sell bonds back to the county at a premium to market but below par; the county would then issue tax-exempt debt to pay tenders.

Advisers showed preliminary numbers indicating the refunding could lower the county’s average cost of those refunded bonds and that a tender could produce additional present-value savings because the 2020 taxable bonds trade well below par. As Lipensk summarized: the 2015/2016 refunding is priced to an all-in true interest cost near 3.76 percent and the tender idea depends on persuading a portion of bondholders—historically 20–40 percent—to sell back their holdings.

Advisers flagged tradeoffs and risks: tender plans require additional legal and notice work and an information/tender agent (estimated fixed cost about $12,800), dealer-manager fees contingent on the volume tendered, and the county can decline to accept any tendered bonds if market conditions change. “The county’s not obligated to accept any of the tender bonds,” an adviser said, noting the county’s downside in a failed tender is limited to pre‑transaction costs such as the information agent fee.

Committee members asked about timing, legal counsel and call provisions. Advisers said the earliest practical calendar would allow sale in July with closing in mid‑August, which fits the 90‑day window before a Nov. 15 call date. Hennessy said the ordinance authorizing the refunding would typically include parameters (savings thresholds and a six‑month authorization window) authorizing finance staff, working with advisers, to execute the refunding if market conditions are favorable.

At the committee’s request, staff will prepare a resolution and a public‑hearing schedule for the county board; the committee voted to forward the item to the executive committee for placement on the county board agenda.

The advisers and staff emphasized the presentation was preliminary: if the executive committee and county board authorize the transaction, staff would return with recommended ordinance language, final pricing parameters and any required ratings presentations.

Votes at a glance: the finance committee voted to forward the debt refunding/tender proposal to the executive committee; roll call recorded Berkowitz, Butler, Ortiz, Winfrey and Nyquist as voting to advance the item.","County finance staff and municipal advisers presented a plan to refund roughly $41 million of callable road bonds and to offer a voluntary tender of a $150 million 2020 taxable issuance; committee voted to advance the item to the executive committee for formal action and a public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee forwards proposal to raise countywide and county board salaries to executive; debate highlights job scope, pension and timing

Officials say Channahon industrial projects will soon complete abatements; county to receive long‑term tax revenue

Finance committee approves a package of health and workforce appropriations, and funds consultant study for Medicare/Medicaid billing

Will County board hears refinancing plan to refinance and tender taxable bonds, seeks executive approval