Q: What is the County Board?
A: The County Board is the legislative branch of county government. It’s made up of elected members from across the county who set policies, approve budgets, and oversee county services.
Q: What does the County Board do?
A: The Board makes decisions on things like public safety, health services, transportation, infrastructure, land use, and the county’s overall budget. It’s similar to how Congress or a city council works, but at the county level.
Q: How is the County Board different from the Forest Preserve Board?
A: In Will County, the same elected members serve on both boards, but each has different responsibilities. The County Board manages county government, while the Forest Preserve Board manages natural areas, preserves, and trails.
Q: What kind of issues does the County Board vote on?
A: Everything from approving the county budget, road projects, public health initiatives, waste management, and economic development, to updating ordinances and zoning policies.
Q: Does the County Board set taxes?
A: Yes, the Board approves the property tax levy that funds county services. But the county portion is only a fraction of your overall property tax bill, which also includes schools, municipalities, townships, and other taxing bodies.
Q: How can I share my opinion on county issues?
A: You can contact your County Board member directly by phone or email, speak during public comment at a meeting, or submit input through the county website.
Q: How does the County Board affect my everyday life?
A: The Board impacts things like the condition of your roads, funding for the sheriff’s office, access to public health services, property tax rates, land use near your neighborhood, and even local forest preserve trails and parks.
Q: How can I find out who my County Board member is?
A: You can look up your district and representatives on the Will County website by entering your address.