Committee Advances 50% Increase in Mental Health Levy on 4-3 Vote

Will County Finance Committee Meeting October 7, 2025

Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday narrowly approved a proposed $12 million levy for the Community Mental Health Board, a 50% increase from the previous year. The measure, which aims to bolster funding for mental health services across the county, passed on a contentious 4-3 vote after questions were raised about its impact on taxpayers.

Mental Health Levy Key Points:

• The proposed 2025 levy for the Community Mental Health Board is $12 million, up from $8 million requested in 2024.

• The resolution to approve the preliminary levy passed by a narrow 4-3 margin.

• Opponents of the increase argued that rising property taxes are a source of financial and mental stress for residents.

JOLIET, IL – A proposal to increase the property tax levy for the Will County Community Mental Health Board by 50% passed a key committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, but not without significant opposition.

The Finance Committee voted 4-3 to approve the estimated annual aggregate levy of $12 million for 2025, a $4 million increase over the $8 million requested for 2024. The funds are used by the 708 Board to support various mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability services throughout the county.

The sharp increase drew criticism from some board members, who argued it was an inappropriate burden to place on residents already struggling with high costs.

“I was really concerned when I saw now the ask is up to $12 million,” said board member Julie Berkowicz. “At what point in time do we really look at the everyday person out there and the toll that property taxes takes on your mental health? Property taxes alone are causing this problem.”

Berkowicz argued that while services are needed, the county cannot continue to take more money from residents to solve the problem.

The resolution passed with support from Chair Sherry Newquist and board members Jacqueline Traynere, Denise Winfrey, and Destinee Ortiz. Members Berkowicz, Daniel J. Butler, and Dave Oxley voted no.

Like the county’s main aggregate levy, this amount is a preliminary estimate required by state law. The full County Board will have further discussions before a final levy is adopted later this year.