At the Feb. 18 meeting, the Will County Board approved three residents appointed by Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant to serve on county boards and commissions.
Moving Will County is a project focused on bringing the region together to find consensus on the balance of industrial, agricultural, natural and cultural resources, residential, and preservation areas.
The Will County Office Building, located at 304 N. Chicago Street in Joliet, will be closed on Fri. Feb. 12 and Mon. Feb. 15 in observance of Lincoln's Birthday and Presidents' Day. Normal business hours will resume on Tues. Feb. 16.
Nearly 100,000 seniors anxious to receive the vaccine, county only receiving shipments in 2,000 doses increments.
Calls to the Will County Health Department COVID-19 hotline are topping more than 800 per day, some days reaching 1,000 calls per day, which is overwhelming the current system as residents in the 1b category, 65+, are trying to schedule appointments for the vaccines.
Allows for larger groups for indoor dining and recreation facilities
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that effective today Region 7, which includes Will County, is moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan.
Will County has developed a vaccination program which utilizes a collaborative partnership between the county Health Department and over 40 different providers including local hospitals, EMS providers, pharmacies and other healthcare providers.
Will County residents who have their pets spayed or neutered at participating veterinary offices in February can receive a $40 county-sponsored discount.
The discount applies for up to two animals per household and is exclusively for pet owners who live in Will County. More than 20,169 pets have been treated since the program originated in 2007.
Limited indoor service allowed in restaurants and bars, meetings and social gatherings permitted up to 25 people.
Earlier today, Governor Pritzker announced that Region 7, which includes Will and Kankakee counties, will be moving into Tier 1 mitigations beginning Friday, January 22.
“This is great news for the many businesses who have suffered greatly during the pandemic and it demonstrates our resident’s commitment to observing mitigation guidelines. While we welcome this news, we urge both our business owners and our residents to carefully observe the Tier 1 mitigation guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “We must still take actions to protect ourselves from the virus – wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.”
The Will County Health Department (WCHD) is asking for patience from the senior community and their families during the still very young “Vaccine Stage” of the “Covid-19 Pandemic Response.”
Shortly before Christmas, WCHD placed a survey on its website, allowing all Will County residents who intend to take the vaccine to register their interest, and offer important information concerning age range, pre-existing health conditions, occupation, and location of their residence.
When former Will County Executive Larry Walsh announced he would not seek reelection in 2020, it would be the first time in 16 years someone new would hold the position.
After all the ballots were counted, it would also be the first time a woman was elected to the office.
“When the late Larry Walsh Sr. said he was not going to run again, I knew it was an opportunity for me to come home and be able to focus on my community where I’ve been all my life,” said Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, who was sworn in to the executive position in December.
Favorable bond market provides opportunity for county to pass on savings
Through strategic financial planning and consistently high credit ratings, Will County will save more than $20 million in debt service payments on existing bonds over the next 25 years, or an average savings of $821,295 per year.
Health Department survey important to planning for future vaccine clinics
With the COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out to more sectors of the population on almost a weekly basis, the Will County Health Department has set up an online registration portal and encourages residents to logon, take the survey, and register for future vaccine clinics.
Extends annual license deadline to March 1 and September 1
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to put additional burdens on local restaurant and bar owners, the Will County Board voted to amend its liquor license ordinance to extend the renewal fee due dates to March 1, 2021 and September 1, 2021. The current deadlines for renewal fees are January 1 and July 1. This change only applies to liquor licenses issued in the unincorporated areas of Will County.
Will County residents behind on rent or mortgage because of the impact of COVID-19 have a consortium of local agencies to apply to for payment assistance.
Today, County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant presided over her first monthly county board meeting virtually. Due to Public Act 101-640 issued June 12, 2020 by Governor Pritzker, all public meetings must be held virtually through video conference or telephonically.