Will County Executive Proposes $791 Million Budget Focused on Stability Amidst Economic Uncertainty

Article Summary: Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant presented a balanced $791 million budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 that aims to maintain services and prepare for potential economic challenges without increasing the property tax levy. The plan leverages a growing tax base from new commercial and industrial development to fund operations while resulting in a lower overall tax rate for property owners.

FY 2026 Budget Proposal Key Points:

• Total Budget: $791 million, with a $282 million operating budget.

• Property Taxes: The proposal does not include the full allowable tax levy, instead recommending a 2% CPI on new property, leading to a projected tax rate decrease from 0.5129% to 0.4884%.

• Key Investments: Public safety and judicial operations make up 65% of the budget, and the plan uses existing cannabis sales tax and opioid settlement funds to support public health and substance abuse programs.

• Personnel: The budget adds four new judicial positions and one election-based position in the County Clerk’s office.

JOLIET, IL – Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant outlined a $791 million budget for fiscal year 2026 on Thursday, framing it as a plan to ensure stability, continue progress, and prepare for an uncertain economic future without placing an additional burden on taxpayers.

“This budget helps us meet our needs while we await a clearer picture of the future and the full impact of federal decisions,” Bertino-Tarrant said during her State of the County address. “This budget is balanced, continues the progress we have made, and helps prepare for the future.”

The proposal holds the line on the property tax levy, instead relying on capturing tax revenue from the county’s significant commercial and industrial growth. The county’s estimated assessed value has increased by 8.3%, allowing for a projected decrease in the property tax rate.

“That growth has increased our estimated assessed value by 8.3% and has led to another tax rate decrease from 0.5129% to 4884%,” Bertino-Tarrant noted, highlighting the benefit of a strong local economy.

Public safety remains the county’s largest investment, accounting for 65% of the budget. The plan includes funding for four new judicial positions—two each in the State’s Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices—to handle caseloads. The only other new position is an election-focused role in the County Clerk’s office to support smooth and secure elections.

A significant theme of the address was the winding down of federal pandemic-era funding. Bertino-Tarrant emphasized the need to sustain critical services previously supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, particularly in public health.

To avoid service cuts at the Will County Health Department, the budget proposes using $1 million from cannabis sales tax revenue and $750,000 from opioid settlement funds to maintain maternal health, food access, and substance abuse prevention programs.

“The federal government may be backing away from addressing the roots of our problems, but we don’t have that luxury,” she stated. “These challenges will remain in our community. People do not disappear. This is our opportunity to rise to the occasion and decide what kind of community we want to be.”

The executive praised county departments for proactive cost-cutting measures, including a facilities department initiative expected to save $250,000 in energy costs this year. The budget also makes long-term fiscal health a priority by dedicating $1 million to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) trust fund and $475,000 for accelerated pension payments.

Bertino-Tarrant highlighted numerous county achievements over the past year, from Sunny Hill Nursing Home being named the number three facility in Illinois to the Coroner’s office resolving its oldest cold case from 1968. She also pointed to the success of the Access Will County dial-a-ride program, which has expanded service to 16 townships and expects to deliver nearly 14,000 rides this year.

The budget presentation marks the beginning of a two-month review process by the County Board, with final approval expected in November.

“As always, this budget is the start of a conversation,” Bertino-Tarrant concluded. “I look forward to healthy and sincere conversations regarding this proposal as we focus on another year of working to empower continued success in all our communities and keeping Will County strong.”