Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | November 4, 2025

The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, reviewed a successful bond refinancing that saved the county nearly $5.74 million and opened the door for significant future borrowing for capital projects. The presentation by a financial advisor sparked a debate among committee members about how to address the county’s aging facilities, with no consensus reached on priorities or the timing of new debt. For more details on the financial presentation and the committee’s debate, see our full coverage. The committee also received a detailed update on numerous ongoing facility projects across the county.

Courthouse Stone Façade Update: Director of Facilities Bill Fern explained the falling stone panel from the courthouse façade earlier this year was a “rare anomaly” caused by water freezing inside a hollow architectural column, likely from the initial construction phase. He assured the committee that repairs were made and adjustments were implemented in all similar areas of the building to prevent a recurrence.

Veteran’s Assistance Commission Building Work Progressing: Renovations at the future Veteran’s Assistance Commission building on Copperfield Avenue are well underway. Large rooftop air handlers were installed in late October, and crews are now connecting high-efficiency mechanical systems in the basement. Fern anticipated a project completion date of December 2025.

Court Annex Renovations Nearing Completion: Work on the Court Annex/State’s Attorney building at 57 N. Ottawa Street is expected to be finished in November, according to the facilities update. The project, which included new carpeting and interior modifications, will provide updated and more appropriately sized office space for staff.

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Repairs Completed In-House: Facilities staff at Sunny Hill Nursing Home recently completed several in-house projects, saving the county money on outside contractors. Crews repaired cracked and spalling sidewalks and restored the loading dock area by leveling the floor with epoxy and properly sealing the doors to improve safety and prevent pest entry.

AI Ordinance Progress Update: Committee Chair Mica Freeman reported that requests have been sent to relevant departments regarding the development of county ordinances related to Artificial Intelligence. She noted that responses have been slow but that another push will be made to advance the issue in the coming month.