'Our Hard Work And Planning Over The Years Have Made A Difference:' Bertino-Tarrant Declares

(The following edited press release is from Mike Theodore, Director of Communications, Will County Executive Office.)

JOLIET, IL — On Thursday, Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant delivered her annual State of the County and Budget address, spotlighting accomplishments across county offices that have positively impacted residents.

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Bertino-Tarrant proposed a Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Budget that leverages efficiencies to hold the line on taxes, with no increases in property taxes. The proposed budget will now be reviewed by the County Board, who must approve a new budget before the fiscal year begins in December.

"Today, I'm proud to report that our hard work and planning over the years have made a difference," said Bertino-Tarrant. "We've capitalized on efficiencies to provide a balanced budget that maintains services, in the face of economic headwinds and rising costs, all without raising property taxes."

In her address, Bertino-Tarrant spotlighted efforts over the last year to centralize operations, cut costs, and continue efforts to streamline government. These efforts have ensured a balanced budget in the face of economic conditions that have increased operational expenses, including material costs, supplies, fuel, postage, and personnel-related expenses.

Bertino-Tarrant also spotlighted the public safety focus of the Proposed FY2027 Budget, with 66% of the operating budget being made of public safety agencies, the courts, and criminal justice. These investments have contributed to a reduction in crime in unincorporated Will County for the fourth year in a row, a 68% decrease in opioid deaths over the last three years, proactive efforts to reduce recidivism, and continued strengthening of the County's emergency response efforts.

"As a county, we have continued our investments in a comprehensive vision for public safety," said Bertino-Tarrant. "This has remained our top budget priority, and for good reason. The work we do as a county begins and ends with the primary goal of promoting safety at all levels."

The address also highlighted successes over the last year that were supported by the current year's budget. These included the countywide expansion of the Access Will County Dial-A-Ride service that provides seniors and people with disabilities with an expanded bus service and the opening of the new Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County office at 1300 Copperfield Avenue in Joliet that has significantly increased the number of veteran services available to residents.

"Whether it's empowering law enforcement to protect our communities, expanding transportation access for seniors, building and repairing local roads that people rely on every day, growing our economy, or modernizing how we deliver services, these accomplishments reflect our ability to improve the quality of life for Will County residents and ensure a stronger future," said Bertino-Tarrant.

Additionally, Bertino-Tarrant outlined several investments that Will County has made in local infrastructure, including the largest Roadway Improvement Plan in County history that invests $145 Million in improved access and safety on local roads.