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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Joliet, IL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from University of St Francis in Joliet to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Joliet, IL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Joliet. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Joliet Iron Works Historic Site in Joliet, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Joliet.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Joliet, IL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Victory Centre of Joliet in Joliet for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Joliet, IL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Joliet?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Joliet, IL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Joliet Area Historical Museum in Joliet, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Joliet restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Joliet, IL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Joliet, IL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Joliet, IL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a The Reserve in Joliet. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Joliet rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Joliet, IL
Joliet's HR Director Kathy Franson Improperly Fired Woman: Lawsuit
John Ferakhttps://patch.com/illinois/joliet/joliets-hr-director-kathy-franson-improperly-fired-woman-lawsuit
On or about December, 2018, Tamara Edmondson was hired by the City of Joliet as an accountant in the finance department.Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Dec 10, 2024 at 3:33 pm CTJOLIET — Tamara Edmondson, a former city of Joliet employee in the finance department, has filed a federal lawsuit against her former employer, naming Joliet's human resources director Kathy Franson, finance director Kevin Sing and ex-city manager Jim Capparelli as defendants.The lawsuit accuses the city of Joliet officials of Family Med...
On or about December, 2018, Tamara Edmondson was hired by the City of Joliet as an accountant in the finance department.
Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Dec 10, 2024 at 3:33 pm CT
JOLIET — Tamara Edmondson, a former city of Joliet employee in the finance department, has filed a federal lawsuit against her former employer, naming Joliet's human resources director Kathy Franson, finance director Kevin Sing and ex-city manager Jim Capparelli as defendants.
The lawsuit accuses the city of Joliet officials of Family Medical Act Leave interference, Family Medical Act Leave retaliation and violating the Americans With Disabilities Act. Attorney Annemarie Kill of Chicago law firm of Avery Kill is representing Edmondson.
"On information and belief, Defendants Capparrelli, Franson, and Sing were all involved in the decision to terminate Plaintiff," the lawsuit reads. "Defendants failed to accommodate Plaintiff’s work restrictions. In fact, they engaged in no interactive process at all regarding her request."
Legal counsel representing the city of Joliet and its three city officials being sued in the case have not filed any appearance in Chicago's U.S. District Court, so far.
According to last month's filing in federal court, the following allegations were raised by the plaintiff's lawyer against the city of Joliet defendants:
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First, back in December 2018, Edmondson was hired by Joliet as a finance department accountant. By July 2021, she took over the position of grants coordinator in the finance department and "received raises during her employment and always met or exceeded the legitimate performance expectations of her employer," the lawsuit noted.
Edmondson, however, began to suffer health ailments around December 2020, including severe pinched nerves in her neck. On May 24, 2021, she underwent surgery known as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Edmondson later required an additional surgical procedure known as a cervical spine fusion. On Aug. 9, 2022, Edmondson submitted her request for 12 weeks of Family Medical Leave Act for the spinal fusion, her lawsuit explained.
By Oct. 2, 2022, Edmondson's doctor released her to work remotely. Before the surgeries, she had a desk job with the city of Joliet, mostly working at a computer. The lawsuit pointed out that "many other employees worked remotely and/or reduced schedules throughout plaintiff’s employment."
Edmondson sent an email to Capparelli on Oct. 2 asking for permission to return to work by working remotely. According to the lawsuit, the next day, Capparelli sent Edmondson an email saying, “Your request to work from home is denied.”
At that point, Edmondson remained off work using her remaining FMLA leave, according to her lawyer. Then, on Nov. 16, 2022, Finance Director Sing denied Edmondson's request seeking to work no more than five hours per day, four days a week, until her next doctor's appointment the following month.
The lawsuit noted that Edmondson was notified by Sing that Joliet "does not allow part-time work and she could only return to work if she was able to work full-time."
Two days later, Edmondson filed a written complaint regarding her initial request to work remotely and her second request to work a reduced schedule, and none of the city's staff responded to her requests.
Then, on Nov. 30, 2022, Franson, the HR director, notified Edmondson she was being fired and "no reason was given for her termination," court records noted. By Dec. 5, 2022, Edmondson sent an email to Franson seeking reasons for her firing.
On Dec. 7, 2022, Franson sent Edmondson an email informing her "there were a few items discussed leading up to the decision: your inability to return to the office to work full time; reporting concerns; etc," the lawsuit outlined. "Plaintiff had no knowledge of 'reporting concerns.' In fact, she still does not know what that term means, and she had never been disciplined at any time regarding alleged 'reporting concerns' or anything else."
The Chicago law firm representing Edmondson has asked that a federal judge reinstate their client to the same or equivalent position as she had before her FMLA leave and grant Edmondson a judgment for back-pay, back benefits, front pay and benefits, compensatory damages, and interest and award Edmondson reasonable attorneys fees and costs.
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BoDeans Make Joliet Their April Tour Stop
John Ferakhttps://patch.com/illinois/joliet/bodeans-agree-joliet-makes-their-april-tour-stop
"The music of BoDeans has defined much of my life," muses Kurt. "I consider myself fortunate to be able to do what I enjoy."Patch Staff|Updated Fri, Dec 6, 2024 at 2:25 pm CTJOLIET — The Rialto Square Theatre issued a Friday morning press release revealing that BoDeans will be at the Rialto Square Theatre on Saturday, April 12th. Tickets are on sale Friday, December 13th and the tickets will be $69.50, $49.50, $39.50. Additional fees may apply when ordering online.According to the Rialt...
"The music of BoDeans has defined much of my life," muses Kurt. "I consider myself fortunate to be able to do what I enjoy."
Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, Dec 6, 2024 at 2:25 pm CT
JOLIET — The Rialto Square Theatre issued a Friday morning press release revealing that BoDeans will be at the Rialto Square Theatre on Saturday, April 12th. Tickets are on sale Friday, December 13th and the tickets will be $69.50, $49.50, $39.50. Additional fees may apply when ordering online.
According to the Rialto's press release:
With countless tunes you know from the first note, rip-roaring gigs you can count on, and a whole lot of energy you’ll take home with you, BoDeans continues to contribute to the American songbook as a tried-and-true institution. Founded and led by original frontman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kurt Neumann, the band’s catalog consists of generational anthems such as “Good Things,” You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” and “Closer To Free,” just to name a few. However, they still reflect the soul and spirit of the modern American experience on their fourteenth full-lengthoffering, 4 The Last Time.
“The music of BoDeans has defined much of my life,” muses Kurt. “I consider myself fortunate to be able to do what I enjoy. I wanted to creatively do something positive for the world instead of just taking from it. So, this is what I’ve chosen to do with my life. The music was always about the blue-collar dream of a better life, and it still is.”
BoDeans emerged out of Waukesha, WI in 1986 with the seminal debut, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, produced by TBone Burnett. Following Outside Looking In [1987], Home [1989], and Black and White [1991], Go Slow Down [1993] yielded “Closer To Free,” which famously served as the theme song for the smash hit television series Party of Five. With a sought-after discography, their music landed hundreds of television and film placements. Meanwhile, they transformed into a proven live phenomenon by supporting the likes of U2, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, The Pretenders, and David Bowie in addition to gracing the bills of Farm Aid, Summerfest, and ACL. Speaking to the group’s legacy, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame permanently entrenched BoDeans in the Midwest Artists exhibit.
Find out what's happening in Jolietwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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Joliet District 86 Students Featured at State Conference
Joliet, IL Patchhttps://patch.com/illinois/joliet/joliet-district-86-students-featured-state-conference
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.SchoolsJoliet District 86 All City Mariachi Ensemble Invited to Perform in ChicagoJoliet Public Schools District 86, Community ContributorCongratulations to our Gompers, Hufford, and Washington Junior High student...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Joliet District 86 All City Mariachi Ensemble Invited to Perform in Chicago
Joliet Public Schools District 86, Community Contributor
Congratulations to our Gompers, Hufford, and Washington Junior High students who performed at the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators, and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. The student musicians are members of the Joliet Public Schools District 86 All City Mariachi Ensemble.
In partnership with the Illinois Music Educators Association, five student groups showcased their music skills at the conference. The students were all high school students, except Joliet Public Schools District 86 junior high students. The conference is one of the nation’s largest state education events for Illinois school board members, administrators, and business officials. Nearly 9,000 people throughout Illinois attended the event.
The featured students included: Alonso Arellano, Washington Junior High; Jose Arriaga Subias, Washington Junior High; Maritza Bautista, Washington Junior High; Ariana Campos, Hufford Junior High; Valeska Castellano Castellano, Gompers Junior High; Angel Cortez, Washington Junior High; Samantha Del Rio, Hufford Junior High; Genessis Diaz, Washington Junior High; Janessa Fuentes, Hufford Junior High; Diego Garcia, Gompers Junior High; Bryan Gomez, Washington Junior High; Kayla Gomez, Washington Junior High; Daniela Gonzalez, Gompers Junior High; Adrian Grimes, Hufford Junior High; Jared Juarez, Washington Junior High; Denise Mendoza, Hufford Junior High; Isai Mendoza, Hufford Junior High; Camila Patino, Hufford Junior High; Sofia Plascenscia, Gompers Junior High; Citlalli Ramos Lorenzo, Hufford Junior High; Aaleyah Ruiz, Gompers Junior High; Leonardo Ruiz, Gompers Junior High; Patricio Salcido Garcia, Gompers Junior High; Daniela Soria, Gompers Junior High; Bella Semplinski, Washington Junior High; Benjamin Tavera, Washington Junior High; Estefania Triana, Washington Junior High; and Juan Velasco Rueda, Gompers Junior High.
“I am beyond proud of these incredibly talented students and directors,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, “The audience was in awe to learn that our students were only 11, 12, and 13-years old.”
The mariachi ensemble band is directed by Gompers Junior High School band director Christine Adelmann and orchestra director Rachael Tatar.
Find out what's happening in Jolietwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?
Lauren O'Hara Will Not Make $184,378 As Joliet's New City Clerk: Sing
John Ferakhttps://patch.com/illinois/joliet/lauren-ohara-will-not-make-184-378-joliets-new-city-clerk-sing
The city of Joliet's proposed budget posted online indicated that Joliet's city clerk would receive $184,378 in direct pay for 2025. Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Dec 4, 2024 at 6:19 pm CTJOLIET — Joliet's director of finance Kevin Sing informed Joliet Patch on Wednesday that the proposed city of Joliet budget that is posted online contained "a typo" regarding next year's salary for one of City Hall's newest employees, city clerk Lauren O'Hara, who previously served as the Will County Clerk as Lauren Staley ...
The city of Joliet's proposed budget posted online indicated that Joliet's city clerk would receive $184,378 in direct pay for 2025.
Patch Staff
|Updated Wed, Dec 4, 2024 at 6:19 pm CT
JOLIET — Joliet's director of finance Kevin Sing informed Joliet Patch on Wednesday that the proposed city of Joliet budget that is posted online contained "a typo" regarding next year's salary for one of City Hall's newest employees, city clerk Lauren O'Hara, who previously served as the Will County Clerk as Lauren Staley Ferry.
The 174-page 2025 budget that has been posted on the city's website listed the new Joliet city clerk as being set to make $181,720 in regular pay and $184,378 in direct pay.
Realizing that O'Hara appeared to be in line for a salary increase of more than $40,000 less than four months after she started her employment at City Hall, Joliet Patch reached out to the city staff for clarification on O'Hara's salary.
At the time of her hiring, Joliet Patch reported that O'Hara would be making $139,510 as the new city clerk.
On Wednesday, Sing informed Joliet Patch that the salary listed in the 2025 budget for the city clerk is not correct and that it was the result of a typo in the budget. He said that other people brought the salary concern to the city's attention in recent days, in addition to Joliet Patch.
Find out what's happening in Jolietwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
As far as he knows, Sing said, he is not aware of any other high-ranking city official's salary being significantly wrong in the proposed city budget.
He said that O'Hara's current salary of nearly $140,000 is the correct amount that should be entered into the proposed budget. He said the budget document will be corrected before it gets voted on later this month by the Joliet City Council.
Sing also said that O'Hara's salary would not have automatically increased to more than $180,000 come January, when the new budget takes effect.
"Those are supplemental schedules," Sing said, referring to the salary ranges for various city positions.
He also said that positions such as the city clerk are capped under city ordinances at receiving an annual pay raise by no more than 14 percent from the respective city manager. Therefore, raising O'Hara's salary by more than $40,000 next year would be "impossible," Sing explained.
Back in January, new city manager Beth Beatty announced that she had promoted Joliet's long-time city clerk Christa Desiderio to the newly filled position of deputy city manager. Desiderio's new salary was $185,500. Desiderio's city clerk position remained vacant until O'Hara began her new position at City Hall in late August.
At the time of her hiring, Joliet Patch reported that Staley Ferry's starting salary overseeing the city clerk's staff at City Hall would be $139,510.
According to the proposed budget, the city clerk's staff will remain at eight full-time employees and two part-time employees for 2025. The document indicated O'Hara wanted to increase her staff from eight to nine full-time employees, but the city manager's office did not support the request to increase the full-time staff to nine.
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Cesar Guerrero Announces Slate For Joliet Township Government Races
John Ferakhttps://patch.com/illinois/joliet/cesar-guerrero-announces-slate-joliet-township-government-races
The Democratic Party of Joliet Township has announced its slate of candidates for the April 1, 2025, township elections.Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:18 pm CTJOLIET — Joliet City Council at-large member Cesar Guerrero notified Joliet Patch on Wednesday that he has withdrawn his candidacy papers at City Hall regarding his plans to seek re-election. Instead, Guerrero is running for another more notable political office: Joliet Township Supervisor.The supervisor position had been held by Angel Con...
The Democratic Party of Joliet Township has announced its slate of candidates for the April 1, 2025, township elections.
Patch Staff
|Updated Wed, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:18 pm CT
JOLIET — Joliet City Council at-large member Cesar Guerrero notified Joliet Patch on Wednesday that he has withdrawn his candidacy papers at City Hall regarding his plans to seek re-election. Instead, Guerrero is running for another more notable political office: Joliet Township Supervisor.
The supervisor position had been held by Angel Contreras, but the three-time convicted drunken driver resigned from elected office last year, after pleading guilty to a felony. In Contreras' place, Alicia Morales was appointed as the Joliet Township Supervisor.
However, as a result of Tuesday night's caucus, Morales will not be the candidate for the Democratic Party of Joliet Township, Guerrero informed Joliet Patch.
According to his press release:
The Democratic Party of Joliet Township proudly announces its slate of candidates for the April 1, 2025, township elections. This diverse group of leaders is dedicated to fostering transparency, equity, and progress for the township’s residents.
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Cesar Guerrero – Supervisor
Kendra Landfair – Clerk
Archie Gavin – Trustee
Andrea Bibian – Trustee
Quinn Adamowski – Trustee
Betty Washington – Trustee
Megan Cooper - Tax Collector
Vincent Alessio – Highway Commissioner (Incumbent)
Jim Brenczewski – Assessor (Incumbent)
“Our slate is a reflection of the strength and diversity of Joliet Township,” Guerrero, the candidate for Supervisor, announced in his press release. “Each candidate brings unique experience, perspective, and dedication to building a township that serves every resident with integrity. Together, we represent every part of our community, every generation, and a shared vision for progress.”
Key campaign priorities include enhancing and expanding township programs and building stronger connections between the township, governmental partners, and the residents.
“We are proud to bring this slate forward to the voters of Joliet Township,” Guerrero continued. “This is a team that truly understands the needs of Joliet Township. We’re ready to work hard, listen to the community, and deliver results that matter.”
The team will be meeting with residents throughout the township in the coming months, sharing their vision and listening to concerns, according to Guerrero's press release.
In July, Joliet Patch reported that Angel Contreras' DUI and charges of driving without a valid Illinois driver's license brought his Joliet Township political career to a screeching halt.
Now that Contreras has pleaded guilty to multiple felonies and received his sentence for summer of 2022 crimes, he's also resigned as the Joliet Township Supervisor. This marks the third conviction for driving under the influence in three different Midwest states for Contreras.
At a special meeting, Joliet Township government chose Morales to replace Contreras as the township's elected supervisor.
“I am excited to continue the work that this administration has started. The foundation of all our programs has been established. I’m ready to see them through with our team to fruition in serving our Township residents," Morales said in her July press release.
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