Lower Property Taxes For Will County's Land Owners: Republican Party Implores Jennifer Bertino In Letter

(Will County Board member Mark Revis, a Plainfield Republican, furnished Joliet Patch with the following letter, signed off by all members of the Republican Party who are serving on the Will County Board.)

JOLIET, IL — Dear County Executive Bertino-Tarrant: We write on behalf of the Republican members of the Will County Board to outline our priorities for the Will County FY2027 budget and property tax levy.

Will County residents are facing a serious property tax crisis. Families, seniors, farmers, and small businesses continue to see their tax bills rise, even when their household incomes do not keep pace. County government must recognize this financial pressure and make tax relief a central part of the FY2027 budget process.

Last year, Republican Board members and 1 Democrat supported holding the County’s levy growth at zero percent. By responsibly using excess cash reserves, the County was able to avoid collecting additional property tax dollars while continuing to fund essential services.

For FY2026, the County approved a total property tax levy of approximately $158.7 Million, supported by an adopted budget of approximately $161.5 Million. At the time of adoption, the County maintained approximately $30+ Million in available reserves.

For FY2027, we propose reducing the total Will County property tax levy by 2 percent. This is not a 2 percent reduction in the rate of levy growth. It is a proposal to collect approximately 2 percent less in total property tax revenue than the County collected under the FY2026 levy.

Based on the FY2026 levy, this proposal would reduce the County’s property tax collection by approximately $4 Million resulting in an FY2027 levy of approximately $154 Million This proposal reflects our broader vision for Will County government:

• Provide meaningful property tax relief.
• Protect essential public safety and transportation services.
• Reduce administrative overhead and unnecessary spending.
• Eliminate duplicative programs and contracts.
• Use taxpayer-funded reserves responsibly.
• Slow the continued growth of the County’s bureaucratic structure.
  
  We believe the reductions should begin with administrative and discretionary spending rather than frontline services. Will County government should not automatically increase its property tax collection simply because state law allows it to do so. The County should first examine its reserves, administrative costs, contracts, staffing levels, and nonessential programs. A 2% levy reduction would send a clear message that Will County understands the burden placed on property owners. It would also demonstrate that fiscal discipline and effective county services are not competing goals. The taxpayers of Will County deserve a government that lives within its means, carefully manages its reserves, and looks for savings before seeking additional revenue. We stand ready to work with your administration and our colleagues on the County Board to advance a responsible FY2027 budget that delivers real property tax relief.
• Sincerely, The Republican Members of the Will County Board