Will County Committee Approves Preliminary $161.6M Tax Levy on Split Vote Amid Heated Debate Over Spending

Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday narrowly approved a preliminary $161.6 million property tax levy for 2025, which projects a lower tax rate but an overall $5 million increase in collections due to rising property values. The 4-3 vote followed a contentious debate that pitted concerns over the rising cost of living for residents against the county’s need to fund essential services like public safety and health.

2025 Aggregate Levy Estimate Key Points:

• The committee approved a proposed 2025 tax levy of $161,588,675, a $5 million increase over the previous year’s extension.

• Due to consistent growth in the county’s tax base, the projected tax rate is expected to decrease from 0.5129% to 0.4886%.

• The resolution passed on a narrow 4-3 vote after members debated the impact of any tax increase on financially strained residents.

• County officials noted that $25 million in departmental requests had already been cut from the budget before it was presented to the board.

JOLIET, IL – The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, advanced a preliminary $161.6 million property tax levy, but not before a sharp debate over government spending and the financial burden on residents resulted in a narrow 4-3 vote.

While the proposed 2025 levy is projected to lower the county’s property tax rate, an expanding tax base means the county would still collect approximately $5 million more than the previous year. This increase became the focal point of the discussion.

Board member Julie Berkowicz initiated the debate, arguing against the increase. “There are a lot of people out there that are really struggling,” she said. “Their property insurance is going up, their electric bills are going up… We need to tighten our belt. We can’t continue to do this because when these people… don’t pay their property taxes, they lose their home.”

Her concerns were echoed by other members. “It’s a vicious circle no matter which way you go,” said board member Dave Oxley. “Taxes are up, gas bills up, the electric bill is out of control.” He suggested the committee should direct department heads to cut their budgets by a set percentage.

Board member Daniel J. Butler pointed out that while Will County was once a cheaper alternative to Cook County, rising costs are changing that perception. “Will County is becoming every bit as expensive as Cook County,” he said.

Pushing back against the calls for cuts, Committee Chair Sherry Newquist and board member Jacqueline Traynere argued that reducing county services would harm residents, particularly at a time when federal programs are being reduced.

“Our communities are going to need more from us than ever before,” Traynere said, noting that rising operational costs like rent and utilities are unavoidable for the county. “If you can convince all of the contractors and vendors that do business with us to cut their prices, then we can cut our budget.”

Mike Mahoney of the County Executive’s office provided context on the budget process, stating that significant cuts were already made before the proposal reached the committee. He reported that department heads initially requested $37 million in funding, which the executive’s office reduced by $25 million to arrive at the current figures.

“I don’t want you to think that we’re starting with a goal of tax to the max,” Mahoney said. “We look at each line individually.” He also warned that neighboring counties like Kane and McHenry are facing “very significant budget issues” from failing to plan, with Kane County dipping into its reserves for $27 million last year.

Ultimately, the resolution to approve the estimated levy passed with support from Chair Sherry Newquist and board members Jacqueline Traynere, Denise Winfrey, and Destinee Ortiz. Members Julie Berkowicz, Daniel J. Butler, and Dave Oxley voted against it.

The approved figure is an estimate required for public notice under the Truth in Taxation Act. The board will continue to discuss the budget and can make changes before a final levy is adopted later this year.