Public commentary at the Will County Board’s Nov. 20 meeting focused on the proposed property-tax levy, with speakers presenting data, personal accounts and competing policy recommendations.

Darryl Boysdorf told the board he ‘strongly oppose[d] the proposed property tax levy increase in Will County,’ citing local reporting and a median tax bill figure and warning that constituents will watch how individual board members vote. He urged independent operational audits and consolidation of overlapping services before considering a levy increase.

Kevin Brasky and other speakers urged the board to adopt a 0% levy, arguing families are already struggling with higher bills. Brasky said, 'A 0% tax levy is not only possible, it is necessary,' adding that government must 'tighten their belts' during hard times.

Countering that view, Amy Sanchez, a program director at Warehouse Workers for Justice and a Joliet resident, said a 1.775% levy increase was 'very minimal' compared with commitments the board has already made; she warned cuts could jeopardize mental-health and public-health services that serve underserved residents and help people obtain record relief and employment.

Other residents — including farmers, union representatives and business owners — spoke about personal impacts: rising tax bills, seniors on fixed incomes, and the effect of local costs on small businesses and the county’s competitiveness. Several speakers pressed individual board members on prior votes and pledged to hold them accountable at the ballot box.

The public comment made clear the political and economic tensions underlying the board’s budget debate: a substantial portion of the day was spent parsing whether to prioritize tax relief for property owners or sustain county-funded services that advocates say protect vulnerable residents.