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Residents urge restraint as Will County board weighs property tax levy
Summary
Multiple residents addressed the Will County Board during public comment, with speakers split between opposing a proposed property tax increase and warning that a refusal to raise levies could cut essential services. The board later debated and amended cannabis‑fund allocations before approving the budget and levies.
Darryl Boysdorf, a Will County resident, told the board he “strongly oppose[d] the proposed property tax levy increase,” citing local reporting on effective property tax rates and a median annual bill he said was $7,043.
Kevin Braske, another member of the public, urged a 0% levy, saying “a 0% tax levy is not only possible, it is necessary,” and called on county government to “tighten their belts” before asking residents for more revenue. Several other residents, including Amy Sanchez — identified in the meeting as a program director at Warehouse Workers for Justice — urged the board to approve a modest levy increase, arguing it would preserve essential public‑health and workforce programs that serve underserved communities.
Why it matters: The public comment period set the tone for a contentious finance debate later in the meeting. Speakers opposing a levy emphasized the burden on fixed‑income homeowners and local businesses; speakers supporting some increase emphasized risks to programs the county funds and the commitments the board has already made.
What the board did: After public hearings and presentation of a proposed 2026 budget, the board debated amendments to how cannabis‑tax dollars would be allocated and then approved a budget as amended. The meeting record shows the board passed the budget and moved to adopt levies later in the session.
Next steps: The board voted on the appropriation ordinance and then considered levy resolutions for corporate, FICA, IMRF and other funds. Some board members proposed using cash reserves to offset a lower property tax levy; the county’s finance staff noted reserves are above the policy target but warned any long‑term revenue shortfall would require follow‑up adjustments.
Sources: Public comments by Darryl Boysdorf, Kevin Braske, Amy Sanchez and others during the Nov. 20, 2025 Will County Board meeting. No formal county action on the public commenters’ individual requests was taken during the comment period; budget votes occurred later in the session.
