Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for January 8, 2026

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026

Overall Meeting Summary
The Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, January 8, 2026, tackling a heavy agenda that included long-term planning, internal governance disputes, and infrastructure management. The meeting opened with the launch of the Land Resource Management Plan update, sparking discussions on solar farm regulations and rural zoning. A significant portion of the meeting was consumed by a procedural clash between Speaker Joe VanDuyne and Member Daniel Butler regarding the removal of a committee chair. The board also approved rule changes for employee proclamations and advanced agreements to transfer the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District to the City of Joliet.

News Briefs

Emergency Appointment for Elwood Fire District
At the request of the State’s Attorney’s office, the committee added an emergency item to the agenda to appoint a trustee to the Elwood Fire District. Officials noted that without the immediate appointment, the fire district would lack a quorum due to vacations and retirements, preventing them from conducting business next week. The motion to add the item passed unanimously.

Mental Health Board Appointment Sparks Debate
The appointment of Khadija Sufi to the Community Mental Health Board (708 Board) passed on a split vote of 6-5. Member Jim Richmond (R-Mokena) and Member Judy Ogalla (R-Monee) opposed the appointment, questioning Sufi’s lack of professional mental health experience and potential conflict of interest as a chief of staff for a state legislator. Supporters cited her leadership in local mental health advocacy groups.

ReShawn Howard Named Finance Director
The committee unanimously approved the executive appointment of ReShawn Howard as the new Director of the Will County Finance and Budget Department. Howard will replace long-time Director Karen Hennessy, who is retiring. Members from both parties praised Howard’s qualifications and ability to fill the role.

190th Anniversary Proclamation Fails
A proclamation honoring Will County’s 190th anniversary failed to pass because it did not receive a unanimous vote, which was required under the rules in place at the time of the vote. Member Mica Freeman (D-Plainfield) voted “no,” stating, “As much as I would like to celebrate… I will have to be a no on this one,” consistent with her stance on reducing non-essential proclamations. The vote was 8-3.