Will County Board Rejects Proposed Tax Hike, Approves 0% Levy Increase in Contentious Vote

Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025

Article Summary: In a significant move providing relief to taxpayers, the Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, voted to approve a 0% increase to the annual property tax levy. The decision came after a contentious debate and narrowly defeated an initial proposal for a 2% hike, with members clashing over fiscal responsibility and the county’s future spending needs.

2025 Tax Levy Key Points:

• The board narrowly approved a 0% levy increase in a 12-9 vote, holding the total aggregate levy at the previous year’s level.

• The move amended an initial proposal for a 2% increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which would have generated an additional estimated $3 million to $4 million in revenue.

• Supporters of the freeze argued for taxpayer relief amid rising inflation, while opponents warned the decision could lead to cuts in critical services and personnel.

The Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, voted to hold the line on property taxes, narrowly passing an amendment to set the 2025 estimated annual aggregate levy at a 0% increase. The decision, which came after a lengthy and often heated debate, rejected a proposed 2% inflationary increase and signaled a victory for board members advocating for fiscal restraint in response to residents’ financial pressures.

The amendment was introduced by Board Member Daniel J. Butler (R-Frankfort), who argued for a pause on tax increases. “Let’s not raise the taxes this year,” Butler said. “Let’s go through a year and let people rebound and reassess… We just want to stay at the status quo and let everybody breathe here.”

Support for the 0% levy came from several members who cited conversations with constituents struggling with inflation and high property taxes. “Taxpayers can’t pay anymore,” said Board Member Julie Berkowicz (R-Naperville). “We need to realize that these are very difficult times.”

Member Steve Balich (R-Homer Glen) added, “People are struggling. So the county raises their taxes because the county doesn’t want to have to struggle. So taxes increase for the county. So we don’t have to worry about how we spend our money.”

However, the move was met with strong opposition from other board members and County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, who cautioned that a flat levy would have serious consequences. Bertino-Tarrant warned that the reduction would directly impact dedicated funds outside of the main corporate budget.

“You will be shorting the tort immunity fund over $1.5 million—those are settlements that this board approved. We will be in default on settlement judgments,” Bertino-Tarrant stated. She added that the county would also be short on funding for workers’ compensation claims, particularly from the Sheriff’s Department.

Board Member Jacqueline Traynere (D-Bolingbrook) argued that the county is subject to the same inflationary pressures as residents. “I can bet every single vendor in that budget is getting more money from us next year than they got this year for the same service,” Traynere said. “We can’t continue the same services without increasing the cost to the government.”

Finance Committee Chair Sherry Newquist (D-Steger) explained that since most of the county’s corporate fund covers personnel and contractual costs, a flat levy would inevitably force difficult choices. “The only way we can do this is by either cutting services or cutting people,” she said.

The amendment for a 0% levy ultimately passed with a 12-9 vote. The board then approved the amended resolution establishing the estimated levy, which serves as a preliminary step in the budget process.