The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee spent the bulk of its meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, discussing the county’s long-term facilities master plan. Faced with an aging and overcrowded central office building and dozens of departments scattered across Joliet, committee members debated the need for a new, consolidated government center. The discussion highlighted the estimated millions in upcoming repairs for the current building and the need for a modular, expandable solution. The committee agreed to invite financial advisors to its November meeting to explore funding options for a major capital project. For more on this developing story, see the full article.

The committee also took its first official step toward managing the use of artificial intelligence in county government. Following a presentation on the risks and benefits of AI, members directed staff to begin researching policies from other counties to help draft Will County’s first-ever ordinance on the matter. You can read more about the AI policy discussion in a separate story.

Additionally, Facilities Director Bill Fern provided an update on several ongoing projects, confirming that renovations for the Veterans Assistance Commission and the State’s Attorney’s offices are on track for completion this winter.

Speed Bumps Installed at County Building for Safety
To improve pedestrian safety, the Will County Facilities Department has installed speed bumps and repainted traffic lines in the parking lot of the county office building at 302 N. Chicago St. The move came after several complaints and near-miss incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians were reported last month. The brighter lines and speed bumps are intended to slow traffic and increase driver awareness.

In-House Repairs at Sunny Hill Save Over $20,000
Recent in-house repairs by the county’s facilities team at Sunny Hill Nursing Home saved taxpayers an estimated $22,000. Director of Facilities Bill Fern reported that staff completed complex roof and gutter drain repairs that would have been “extremely expensive” to outsource. One repair alone saved $15,000, while another saved approximately $7,000, highlighting the increased skill level of maintenance staff.

New County-Wide Water Management System Deployed
Will County has begun implementing a comprehensive water management program to protect mechanical equipment and ensure water safety across all its facilities. The program includes regular testing for legionella and new water treatment systems for boilers and cooling towers. A new high-tech system, which allows for remote monitoring of water flow and chemical levels, is now fully operational at the Will County Courthouse.

Courthouse Stone Repair Completed at No Cost to County
The extensive scaffolding that had covered the northeast corner of the Will County Courthouse has been removed after exterior stone repairs were completed. Facilities Director Bill Fern reported that the repair work, which addressed issues with some of the building’s stone panels, was finished at no cost to the county.