Will County Receives Award for Budget Transparency

Will County has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget quality and transparency from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award is given as a recognition that state and local governments are achieving the goal of preparing budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA’s best practices on budgeting.

“Congratulations to Will County’s Finance Department for their hard work collaborating with our departments in developing a fiscally responsible and stable budget,” said County Executive Jennifer-Bertino Tarrant. “Budget Director ReShawn Howard works diligently to ensure the budget meets the county’s priorities. This well-deserved recognition reflects the team’s careful efforts.”

Factors GFOA considers in selecting award recipients include transparency and the institution’s best practices in budget process, preparation, and stability. In October 2024, Moody’s Rating gave Will County a credit rating of “Aa1 Stable” – the second-highest credit rating awarded by Moody’s – citing Will County’s financial position “is likely to remain stable given the county’s conservative financial management and growing revenue.”

“As Budget Director, I am honored to receive this recognition as a sign of achievement for the steps we’ve taken to improve the budget process and transparency in the time I’ve served in this role,” said Will County Budget Director ReShawn Howard. “It takes many months and a team effort to present a balanced budget on time for the Will County Board to review and approve, so this award is one meant for all of us who ensure the budget process covers all areas of what the residents in Will County need in a smooth and clear process.”

To view Will County’s FY2025 Digital Budget, visit: https://www.willcounty.gov/DigitalBudget.