Will County Executive Bertino-Tarrant Focuses on Growth and Stability in State of the County Address

Spotlights efforts of county government to modernize and build resiliency

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant delivered her annual State of the County address at the August meeting of the Will County Board. In her address, Bertino-Tarrant spotlighted the growing Will County economy and continued efforts by county government to improve services for residents.

“During a period of great opportunity and growth for Will County, our role as county leaders is to empower continued success, address needs that impact the region, and provide services that meet the needs of our large and diverse county,” said County Executive Bertino-Tarrant. “We must rise to the occasion to offer residents the services they deserve during a period of historic growth.”

In her address, Bertino-Tarrant emphasized how Will County’s continued population and economic growth is driving success in communities throughout the county, citing how Will County remains the top county in Illinois for population growth, job creation, and single-family home construction. She also noted the need to continue empowering growth through infrastructure investments that improve access and improve safety.

“All economic indicators lead to Will County,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “Economic growth makes a difference in people’s lives. Commercial development reduces tax rates, increases local employment, connects residents with better retail options, and reduces the challenges that come with unemployment and underemployment.”

The address also highlighted efforts by county government to respond to the increased demand in services that results from a growing population. This includes ongoing efforts to modernize government, increase internal efficiencies, and make it easier for residents to access services through the growing digitization efforts across all county offices. She also noted the ongoing construction of the new Veteran Assistance and Support Center that will empower the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County to meet their rising demand for services.

Bertino-Tarrant also spotlighted several large-scale accomplishments during the last year, such as the continued expansion of the popular Access Will County Dial-a-Ride service, Sunny Hill Nursing Home being designated the third-ranked nursing home in Illinois, increased enforcement of overweight trucks on local roads at the Sheriff’s Office, and the completion of the “Our Way Forward” Long Range Transportation Plan that outlines 25 years of projects that improve roads, safety, transit access, and pedestrian infrastructure.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget was also presented during the meeting. Bertino-Tarrant proposed a balanced budget aimed at maintaining existing services and ensuring resiliency in the face of national economic uncertainty and the potential for future federal cuts to services. The budget prioritizes public safety, which makes up 65 percent of the County’s operating budget.

Bertino-Tarrant outlined several steps her administration has taken to reduce operational spending and plan for future needs. She also emphasized how the county is in a strong fiscal position due to ongoing efforts to reduce operational costs and increase efficiencies. She also noted that robust financial management practices have resulted in Moody’s Ratings commending the county’s “excellent” credit position and AA+ rating.

“We’re entering the FY26 budget year on stable fiscal footing,” said Bertino-Tarrant. “My proposed budget aims to ensure stability in our programs, continue our progress, and prepare us for a variety of contingencies. This budget helps us meet our needs while we await a clearer picture of the national economic future and the full impact of federal decisions.”

The proposed budget will now be reviewed by the County Board, who must approve a new budget at its November meeting before the fiscal year begins December 2025.