Will County Finance Committee Meeting | November 2025

Article Summary: The Will County Finance Committee postponed votes on the 2025 tax levy and the 2026 budget after a contentious debate revealed a deadlock over a proposed 0% levy increase. Proponents of the freeze cited taxpayer relief, while opponents warned it would create a multi-million dollar shortfall in key funds and called for specific spending cut proposals.

Will County Budget Discussion Key Points:

• The committee postponed all votes on individual fund levies and the FY2026 budget to a special meeting.

• A previously estimated 0% levy would create an approximate $3 million shortfall for the Tort Immunity and Workers’ Compensation funds.

• An over-levy of roughly $2 million was identified in the IMRF fund, which could potentially be reallocated to cover other shortfalls.

• Committee members who support a levy increase challenged those who favor a freeze to present specific, line-item budget cuts.

The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, hit a stalemate over the county’s 2025 property tax levy, ultimately postponing all budget-related votes to a special meeting next week. The decision followed a heated discussion that highlighted a deep divide among board members on how to balance fiscal responsibility with funding for county services.

At the heart of the debate is a proposed 0% levy increase, which was approved for estimation purposes by a narrow 12-10 vote of the full County Board in October. Finance Committee Chair Sherry Newquist, who opposes the freeze, opened the discussion by stating her dissatisfaction. “I believe we have to cut too much and I’ve not heard any suggestions to date… about where you would want to cut,” Newquist said.

Opponents of the 0% levy warned it would create significant funding gaps. Committee member Jackie Traynere noted that the Tort Immunity and Workers’ Compensation funds would face a combined shortfall of approximately $3 million. “We have to cover that $3 million,” Traynere stated, explaining that the county is legally obligated to fund those obligations, likely by transferring money from the general fund.

Traynere also identified a potential solution for part of the problem: the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) levy. Due to a decrease in the county’s required contribution, a 0% levy would result in collecting $16.2 million, about $2 million more than the needed $14.2 million. Traynere suggested reducing the IMRF levy and reallocating that $2 million to cover other shortfalls, which could help maintain an overall 0% levy increase.

Members who voted for the freeze argued that it is the responsibility of department heads to find savings. “I think the department heads should come back to us with where they can cut at,” said member Dave Oxley. “They know their budget and what their requests are better than I do.”

Member Judy Ogalla stated that in the past, the board has approved a reduced percentage and told departments to “figure it out.” She also criticized the lack of compromise on the evenly divided board. “If we would actually ever have conversation and sit down and compromise and represent our constituents ever, that would be great,” Ogalla said.

This drew a sharp response from members who support the budget as presented by the County Executive’s office, which was built around a 2% increase. “The folks that were happy with 2% have in my mind already agreed that the budget is slim enough,” said County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne. “I feel that there is some hesitancy to go out and say it in public on what services or what you do want to cut.”

As the discussion grew more partisan, members in favor of the freeze stressed they were responding to residents who are struggling financially. “This isn’t a game,” said member Julie Berkowicz. “We are listening to our neighbors and our family members.”

Given the impasse and the lack of specific proposed amendments, Newquist moved to postpone all levy and budget votes. “I’m challenging everybody to come to the next special finance meeting… and bring your revisions, bring your proposed amendments,” she said.