Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for April 9, 2026

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026

The Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to process a diverse agenda featuring major strategic, regulatory, and infrastructural updates. The committee successfully advanced a $15,000 contract for the county’s first formal strategic plan and approved a sweeping overhaul of the county’s business regulations governing adult entertainment and wireless telecommunications. While the approval of several hyper-local fire protection district appointments proceeded smoothly, the committee engaged in a pointed debate over the county’s rigorous vetting process after an Elwood Fire District appointment was delayed.

Naperville Granted Access to County Radio System:
The committee unanimously advanced Resolution #26-132 / 26-4485, authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Naperville. The agreement allows Naperville to utilize the Will County 800 MHz Countywide Radio System for daily, operable communications. According to the contract terms, the City of Naperville will pay no monthly access fee for the utilization of the radio system. Additionally, no compensation is required for the utilization of shared 911, DISASTER, or MUTUAL AID talk groups.

Concerns Raised Over Animal Protection Services Ventilation:
During committee reports, Public Health & Safety Chair Daniel J. Butler raised a serious infrastructural concern regarding the county’s Animal Protection Services facility. “I am concerned that the animals being held at the Animal Protection Services are being presently held in a garage,” Butler told the committee. “Most garages aren’t built with any ventilation… I would like to see or make an approval of them to spend money to install adequate ventilation for those animals.” Butler noted he wanted the board members to be aware of the issue before a formal funding request is brought forward.

Finance Committee Warns of Dwindling “Pennies”:
Finance Chair Sherry Newquist updated the Executive Committee on recent financial discussions, noting two ongoing projects. Newquist reported that the Finance Committee is currently reviewing the costs associated with providing police protection for Homer Glen. She also warned of a looming logistical issue regarding physical currency at county facilities. “We also started conversations about what to do when we run out of pennies, because that will be coming up fairly soon, and it really only matters with cash payments,” Newquist reported.

Capital Improvements Prepares County AI Policy:
Capital Improvements & IT Chair Mica Freeman informed the committee that the county is actively developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. “We are still working on the AI policy. We are hoping to have that done by mid-June or July,” Freeman stated, inviting input from other board members. Freeman also noted that her committee is reviewing four different capital improvement possibilities for county facility needs presented by Wight & Company, as well as ongoing concerns regarding elevators in two county buildings.

Opinion Requested on “Whip” Title for Executive Committee:
Before adjourning, Republican Leader Jim Richmond formally requested legal clarification regarding leadership titles within the county board structure. “I do want to get a written opinion from the State’s Attorney’s office regarding the appointment of a whip, whether it’s the name or actual title on the executive committee,” Richmond stated, ensuring his request was placed into the official record.