The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, held a contentious meeting centered on the county’s finances, narrowly approving a preliminary $161.6 million county-wide tax levy on a 4-3 vote. The debate highlighted a deep divide among board members over the balance between funding essential services and easing the property tax burden on residents. A separate proposal to increase the Community Mental Health levy by 50% to $12 million also passed on a slim 4-3 margin. For complete details, see the full articles on the levy discussions.

In other business, the committee received an update on the county’s Renewable Natural Gas plant, which has faced a summer of operational setbacks leading to a net loss of nearly $460,000 for the fiscal year. Officials remain hopeful they can break even by year’s end. A series of routine budget transfers and appropriations for various departments were also approved.

Health Department to Cover Staffing Gaps with $400,000 Transfer
The committee approved a request from the Will County Health Department to transfer $400,000 within its budget to cover the costs of temporary staff and medical services. The funds will be moved from budget lines for full-time salaries, FICA, IMRF, and health insurance that are currently unused due to unfilled positions. The transfer allows the Community Health Center to maintain necessary staffing levels for its programs.

County Authorizes Payment for Delinquent Crete Township Property
The county authorized the disposition of its interest in a delinquent property located at 401 Pebble Beach Circle in the Vistas of Park Forest South, now part of University Park in Crete Township. As trustee for the local taxing districts, the county will accept payment to cancel the tax sale certificate, receiving $26,382.36 to be disbursed to the Treasurer. The action is part of the county’s program to resolve delinquent tax cases.

County to Finalize Budget at Upcoming Special Meeting
Finance Committee Chair Sherry Newquist reminded members that a special finance meeting will be held later in October to continue hashing out the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. She urged members with specific suggestions for cuts or modifications to submit them to her office ahead of the meeting, noting that time is running out to make significant changes before the budget is finalized.