Will County Finance Committee Meeting May 5, 2026

The Will County Finance Committee meeting held on May 5, 2026, focused extensively on departmental budget discussions and upcoming procurement needs for fiscal year 2027. Key procurement-related topics included the courts' plan to issue a formal RFP for a new jury system software replacement, with estimated costs between $500,000 and $800,000 over five years. The sheriff's office highlighted capital improvement needs such as a $1.24 million boiler system replacement and concerns about frequent power outages affecting jail operations. The state's attorney's office discussed potential budget increases for hardware and software upgrades, including server backup solutions and network switches. The county clerk's office addressed upcoming contract renewals for audiovisual equipment and the need for new projectors. The election department raised issues about Windows 11 upgrades, maintenance for voting equipment purchased three years ago, and a projected $400,000 shortfall in election worker salaries. The health department outlined capital projects including automatic door openers, rooftop unit replacements, and facility renovations, while monitoring grant funding uncertainties. The committee also discussed and approved a policy to round down cash transactions to the nearest five cents to address the elimination of pennies, with an estimated implementation cost under $3,000. Several budget appropriation resolutions were passed without opposition. Overall, the meeting centered on preparing for significant capital and operational expenditures in the upcoming budget cycle, with multiple departments identifying procurement and contract renewal needs.