Press Box

Will County’s Geographic Information System in Tune with Transition and Growth - Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Will County’ GIS department is also on the cutting edge of technology by providing county residents and businesses information through a computer application that captures, stores, updates, analyzes and displays data that can be referenced to a geographic location. And they have taken it one step further by revamping their website.

“Our new geographic information systems website offers the public, as well as county staff, an enhanced service that provides easy access and interactive tools to obtain pertinent data,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “It offers a wealth of information including maps, data and online applications.”

Executive Larry Walsh: New Courthouse Satellite for Eastern Will County Nearing Reality - Friday, June 06, 2008

An annexation agreement between the County of Will and the Village of Crete for county-owned property located near Exchange Street and Kings Road has been sent to the Will County Board for consideration by County Executive Larry Walsh. The property offers a place to house a new courthouse satellite location for Will County and would be next to the recently constructed Sherriff’s Substation.

“I’ve been working on this proposal for a number of months with Will County Board Chair James Moustis and Board leadership,” said Executive Walsh, who adds that the proposed plan includes a courthouse satellite and offices for the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk and County Recorder. “By offering these county government services on the eastern side of Will County, we will be able to better serve our citizens living in that area.”

Executive Walsh: Going Green in Will County Top Priority - Wednesday, May 28, 2008

With the recent Earth Day Celebration bringing a greater awareness to environmental issues, Will County is committed to continuing the dialogue and efforts for a healthier environment throughout the year. In the last month alone, the Will County Waste Services Division of the Land Use Department made a big difference in the environment by hosting various recycling and waste collection events, along with educating hundreds of school children and members of the community on how to Go Green.

“I am so proud of what we have done in Will County to not only educate others on the importance of a healthy environment, but to actually walk the walk as well,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh, who personally handed out the awards to the schools. “We have come a long way in the last few years when it comes to going green as a County. It is a top priority.”

New Workforce Development System Offers Innovative, Exciting Way to Stay Connected - Wednesday, May 28, 2008

During a special presentation by Will County’s Workforce Services Division, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), individuals can learn first-hand about Illinois workNet, a new system that integrates physical locations with online resources for high quality career planning, training, job placement and support services.

“This is a great initiative that is a cooperative effort among economic development, workforce development and education agencies, and workforce investment boards and their public and private partners,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh. “I commend our own workforce investment board, DCEO and the State of Illinois for their work on this.”

Will County Bond Rating Increased to AA+ - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

With ongoing growth and a strong practice of fiscal responsibility to its taxpayers, Will County earned an additional benefit this week. Victor Chang, the County’s financial advisor and an agent of Wells Fargo, notified Will County officials on Monday morning that Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services increased Will County’s bond rating from ‘AA’ to ‘AA+’. This means a lower cost of borrowing as the county moves forward with its capital plans.

“I was given some pretty ambitious marching orders by the County Executive and Board leadership when I was hired,” said Paul Rafac, Will County finance director. “I also learned a lot when we issued the 2006 Series Bonds - In fact, that was the catalyst for today’s cash reserve policy.”

Will County Receives Prestigious Designation As A Preserve American Community - Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A letter from First Lady Laura Bush came to Will County Executive Larry Walsh recently – and it held some very good news. As honorary chair of Preserve America, a White House initiative that supports and helps preserve community history, Mrs. Bush notified Executive Walsh that the County of Will has been designated a Preserve America Community.

“Being designated a Preserve America community is an unbelievable tribute to Will County,” said Walsh. “We have so much to be proud of when it comes to our history and heritage - and through this distinction, others will learn of our legacy as well.”

Long-time Community Leader, J. D. Ross Recommended for RTA Board Appointment - Friday, February 29, 2008

As part of the new Mass Transit Funding and Reform Bill (HB 656), Will County Executive Larry Walsh has announced distinguished community member J. D. Ross as his recommendation for appointment to the Regional Transit Authority Board (RTA). The appointed position will represent the first Will County seat on the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) board of directors. Serving as the corporate authority and governing body of the RTA, the board of directors will go from 13-to-16 members on April 1. As one of the three new seats on the board, Will County will be one of the five collar counties seats represented.

“Will County’s representation on the RTA board is due to a new governance structure resulting from HB 656,” said Executive Walsh, “and I cannot think of anyone who would represent us better than J. D. Ross. He’s not only knowledgeable and competent, but also is respected in the community for his unbiased and ethical behavior.”

Property Tax Relief Available for Veterans & Disabled - Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Property tax relief is on its way for a number of Illinois veterans and disabled individuals, according to the Will County Supervisor of Assessment’s Office. Thanks to legislation passed In October 2007, three new homestead exemptions for Illinois disabled citizens and qualifying veterans will be available. The legislation, Public Act 95-0644, also expands current homestead exemptions to provide property tax relief for qualifying Illinois’ homeowners and senior citizens.

“It is my hope that our veterans and those who are disabled take the time to review this important information,” said Will County Executive, Larry Walsh. “It could be some well-deserved relief for those who qualify.”