Will County Board Finance Committee met Oct. 21

Will County Board Finance Committee met Oct. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER 

Chair Newquist called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 

Ms. Traynere led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ROLL CALL 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT 

Julie Berkowicz, Vice-Chair

Daniel Butler, Member

Destinee Ortiz, Member

Jacqueline Traynere, Member

Denise Winfrey, Member

Sherry Newquist, Chair

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT 

Dave Oxley, Member

Other County Board Members Present: Speaker VanDuyne, Leader Williams, Leader Richmond, M. Revis, K. Hickey, M. Freeman, S. Balich, R. Mitchell, V. Logan

Also Present: J. Rogers, C. Pelkie, M. Hamann, Executive Bertino-Tarrant, M. Mahoney Present from State’s Attorney’s Office: K. Meyers, E. Hamer

Minutes provided by P. Perez

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

V. PUBLIC COMMENT 

Elizabeth Bilotta, Executive Director of the Health Department, spoke first. She read a statement requesting additional funding to retain core public health positions. She brought copies of this statement, a letter of support from their Board Members, and their 2024 Annual Report for dissemination.

Chair Newquist reminded everyone that people have three minutes to speak during Public Comment.

Sylvia Muniz from the Health Department also spoke and read a statement that she brought to disseminate as well.

Denise Bergin, Assistant Executive Director of the Health Department, spoke. She read a statement regarding the levy, expenses, cuts, and asked for additional funding of $1 million.

Pam Robbins, registered nurse and former Public Health Board Member, spoke. She read a statement regarding the indispensable role of the health department. She also read a personal story regarding a person that the Health Department recently helped.

Dr. Sylvio Morales, emergency physician in Will County, also spoke. He stated that as a Public Health Board Member, he has seen the difference this department has made. Dr. Morales emphasized the need for everyone to have health care and the impact it has on the community. He urged County Board Members to consider the Health Department’s funding request.

Edna Brass, Public Health Board Member, spoke to advocate for the additional funds that are being requested. She read a statement, also for dissemination.

Dr. Gary Lipinski, Public Health Board Member, Chief Medical Director for Will Grundy Medical Clinic, spoke. He elaborated on the different services that they provide to help the community. Dr. Lipinski also discussed concerns on how the cuts would affect healthcare and urged County Board Members to continue to provide funding.

Jed Davis, State Representative for the 75th District, and foster parent, also spoke. He discussed the concerns on how healthcare cuts would affect the community.

Kaprinta Marek, Program Manager for the HIV/STI Program at the Health Department, spoke. She echoed the sentiment of others that also work in the health department. Ms. Marek also discussed how the cuts would be detrimental not only for the people, but will also affect her position and her staff.

Karen Sitar-Nalla, is the Program Manager for the Immunizations Clinic in the Health Department. She discussed the potential cuts to services and how this would impact on the loss of half of their staff. Ms. Sitar-Nalla elaborated on the services that they provided at Joliet Central.

Jodi Falica, is Homebound Nurse for the Health Department. She shared stories of different people that they serve through this program and how the cuts would affect them. Ms. Falica specifically mentioned homebound patients and expressed her concerns for their care as well. Ms. Sitar-Nalla also echoed what Ms. Falica said.

Handout(s) from Elizabeth Bilotta – Impact Statement Related to Additional Funding 

Request, Health Department Letter of Support, and 2024 Annual Report. 

Handout from Sylvia Muniz – Statement Letter 

Handout from Edna Brass – Letter of Support for additional funding  

VI. OLD BUSINESS 

1. 25-3202 FY2026 Budget Discussion 

(Sherry Newquist)

Before this was discussed, Chair Newquist asked Kevin Meyers from the State’s Attorney’s office to explain the process for approving the budget. Mr. Meyers reminded members that last Thursday the Estimated Aggregate Levy was passed. The purpose of this is to let the public know what they are proposing for the budget and also to comply with Truth in Taxation and PTELL. He also explained how the budget and levy will be passed next month. Mr. Meyers also clarified that they will vote for each levy individually and the overall budget at the November County Board meeting. He explained to Ms. Traynere that they are not bound to the proposed levy, but they can make changes. Mr. Balich asked if the Reserve Fund is set at a 25% limit, then why do the Special Reserve Funds not have limits. Mr. Meyers briefly explained this and added that he will also look into this. Mr. Balich opined that each item should be capped at the same percentage. Chair Newquist said that it is her understanding that the Reserve is set by the state in conjunction with their auditor. Ms. Howard further explained and answered Mr. Balich’s question regarding the Reserve Fund cap. This needs to be between 22% – 25% and she explained. Special Funds can only be spent on certain things. She does not know if there is a law regarding caps on Special Funds and reminded everyone that Mr. Meyers will look into this. Ms. Traynere explained why she does not think it makes sense to place a limit on these funds. Mr. Revis explained why he agrees with Mr. Balich. Per Ms. Berkowicz’ request, Ms. Howard briefly discussed and answered members’ questions regarding the different Special Funds. Mr. Balich suggested that they have a Special Meeting regarding these funds. He reiterated his previous point regarding not having reserve caps on these funds. This was discussed further and explained in more detail by Ms. Howard. She added that departments cannot go over budget, and she explained.

Ms. Howard then discussed the levy that was approved at the last County Board meeting. The difference between the 2024 levy and this levy is approximately $8.9 million. The final 2024 levy was $156,582,739. The 0% levy that was recently voted on was $156,424,615. She emphasized the importance of going back to the final levy to have an extension point to start with to move forward. Per Chair Newquist’s question, Ms. Howard explained that the changes that amount to the $8.9 million are the Corporate Fund, IMRF, Tort, and Worker’s Comp. She also explained to Ms. Traynere the 0% levy over last April. She explained the 3% salary increase to Ms. Berkowicz and how this affects IMRF and FICA, among others. Ms. Berkowicz raised concerns on how this will affect the taxpayers. Executive Bertino-Tarrant explained how salaries are negotiated. This was discussed further. Ms. Berkowicz said that she would ask Mr. Pelkie for a schedule so that they know what to anticipate throughout the year. Per Ms. Ortiz’ question, Ms. Howard explained why Personnel Benefits were lower than what they had recommended. Ms. Ortiz brought a handout that lists Proposed Cuts. Based on Mr. Butler’s question, Ms. Howard shared details on how they meet the levy obligations. She explained that they had reduced the budget before members saw it. Mr. Butler asked if there is a different way to meet these goals and run this government without raising taxes. Mr. Mahoney reminded everyone that even though members voiced their opinions in the last County Board meeting, nothing is final. The Executive Office has to finalize everything. He then discussed the $8.9 million budget deficit. Mr. Revis commented on Ms. Ortiz’ proposed cuts and shared his thoughts on where money can be saved. These cuts were discussed further by other members. Per Ms. Traynere’s question, Ms. Howard explained how budget line items are expended. Mr. Mahoney explained to Mr. Butler the County Board’s proposed cuts that he previously mentioned. Mr. Butler said that they can suggest the cuts, but each department has their own say in what cuts will be made. This was discussed further. Ms. Ortiz clarified some of the cuts mentioned and explained her Proposed Cuts listed in her handout again. She read a statement to explain this further and added that she supports staff increases, pay raises, and employee retention. She voiced her disappointment with the way that the Executive Office presented the cuts (previously mentioned) as misleading; she explained. Ms. Ortiz also clarified that her proposed cuts are just suggestions. She concluded by saying that she was able to find $26 million in potential cuts and this is more than enough to work with.

Leader Richmond said that he was filling in for Mr. Oxley and his focus is on revenue, specifically, the RNG Plant and Sunny Hill. He explained how the RNG Plant has lost $2.5 million in the last two years and how they can make a profit. The Sunny Hill revenue was also discussed in detail, as $3 million is lost yearly. Overtime pay was discussed and bringing in a consultant to oversee the whole operation in Sunny Hill was suggested. He voiced his concern again for the rising cost to the taxpayers and made suggestions on overall cuts in the County.

Speaker VanDuyne reminded everyone why they are here – the budget. He, along with the Executive Office, has offered to speak with members regarding the budget. He only received one request, a week before they voted on the levy and there were no concerns with the 2% levy. After the 0% levy was passed, only one member has presented proposed cuts. All members had the opportunity to do this months ago. If this document had been presented a long time ago, they would be much further along in the process. He thanked everyone for their time.

Ms. Howard clarified and explained to Ms. Winfrey that the County needed to operate on 2% from last year. She reminded everyone of the Special Finance Meeting in April and what was discussed. Ms. Berkowicz reminded members that this is something that is done every year and asked about some of Ms. Ortiz’ proposed cuts. Ms. Howard explained this. Ms. Summers explained some of the Coroner Department’s expenses (autopsies) in detail.

Ms. Ortiz voiced her opinion again on the Executive Committee’s dissemination of information. She reiterated her earlier point and discussed (in detail) all the potential cuts in her proposal that can be made to save money. Executive Bertino-Tarrant explained some of these expenses and added that she has had discussions with some people regarding the budget. She elaborated on this. Speaker VanDuyne responded regarding the desk (in his office) that was mentioned by Ms. Ortiz. He clarified and explained that it did not cost a single dime and came from another department. Mr. Revis explained that both Speaker VanDuyne and the Executive Office are working hard on the budget and thanked them. Per his question, Executive Bertino-Tarrant clarified/explained that they cannot look and renew contracts that they have because they all renew at different times. She also mentioned ways that they are trying to save money and discussed the 0% and 2% levy. Mr. Revis explained that they can come together in a bipartisan way to help not only the State of Illinois but also the Country. Mr. Butler mentioned his reasons for not talking to anyone outside meetings regarding the budget anymore and why he is only going to speak on the floor at meetings moving forward. Ms. Traynere discussed the needs of different departments and voiced her concerns with the proposed cuts. Ms. Freeman agreed with Ms. Traynere and voiced her opinions on this. Ms. Hickey explained that they need to think about the ramifications of potential changes. Mr. Mahoney stated that the County Executive had already proposed a 2% levy increase and he explained. What they want is a balanced budget. Mr. Kevin Meyers explained to Chair Newquist that in the past, they have approved the budget as a whole. They are also dealing with things that they normally do not deal with, so they are researching this further.

Ms. Berkowicz mentioned Opioid and Cannabis funds. She suggested and explained why these funds should be specifically reallocated to Will County government. She proposed that the (over) $2 million in the Cannabis Fund should be placed in the budget – where it is most needed. Ms. Traynere and Ms. Howard discussed reserves. Ms. Traynere does not think that they will have $26 million left over this year. Mr. Butler commended Ms. Oritz on her proposed cuts and elaborated on this. He explained how cuts in each department’s budget can be resolved by using the reserves. Chair Newquist reminded everyone of the next meeting in early November. She encouraged members to finalize this process and be willing to compromise.

2. 25-3203 FY2026 Cannabis Fund Budget Discussion 

(Sherry Newquist)

Chair Newquist started by saying that she agrees with Ms. Berkowicz’ earlier point regarding the allocation of Cannabis funds. Ms. Traynere agreed with this as well. Mr. Logan stated that he and Ms. Ortiz sat with the different organizations that the Cannabis money funds. He explained his reasons why funding for these organizations should not be cut and disagreed with the reallocation of these funds. Ms. Berkowicz read a statement that lists all the money that these organizations have received so far in 2025. They are the CAC, Problem Solving Courts, Housing Stabilization Program, Workforce Services, and Child Care Grants. Ms. Winfrey explained how these funds help to fill the gaps for these organizations. Ms. Traynere explained how these funds have been used recently and in the past. Ms. Ortiz opposes the reallocation of these funds and read a statement to support this. Mr. Butler echoed what Ms. Ortiz said. Ms. Hickey stated that the Joliet Fire Cares Program stated that they do not need money. She encouraged members to allocate the money where it is needed and added that these funds should be moved to the General Fund. Ms. Berkowicz clarified that these funds should be allocated to pay expenses in their budget.

VII. OTHER OLD BUSINESS 

VIII. NEW BUSINESS

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS / REPORTS BY CHAIR 

X. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

XI. ADJOURNMENT 

Motion to Adjourn @ 12:43 p.m.

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