Will County Board Compromises on Mental Health Levy, Approves $10 Million After Debate

Will County Board Regular Meeting | October 16, 2025

Article Summary: The Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, approved a $10 million tax levy for the Community Mental Health Board, reaching a compromise after a debate over a proposed increase to $12 million. The final amount represents a $2 million increase over the previous year but falls short of what mental health advocates argued was needed to meet growing demand.

Community Mental Health Board Levy Key Points:

• The board approved a $10 million levy for the 708 Board, amending an initial proposal of $12 million.

• The decision followed an amendment by Member Judy Ogalla (R-Monee) to reduce the proposed increase, citing the need for fiscal prudence.

• Supporters of the full $12 million levy pointed to rising mental health needs, while those favoring a smaller increase called for more time to evaluate the board’s impact.

The Will County Board on Thursday, October 16, 2025, settled on a $10 million tax levy for the Will County Community Mental Health (708) Board after a spirited debate highlighted the tension between addressing rising mental health needs and exercising fiscal restraint. The approved amount is a compromise, landing between last year’s $8 million levy and the $12 million requested by the 708 Board for its second year of funding.

The discussion began with a proposal to approve the full $12 million levy, which proponents argued was essential for funding critical services across the county. During public comment, Christine Duran, founder of Triple H Ranch, an organization that received 708 Board funding, spoke to the impact of the funds. “The money that you are giving to these organizations…they are truly making the impact that I hear each and every one of you want for your community,” she said, describing work with suicidal youth and veterans.

However, several board members expressed concern over the size of the 50% increase. Board Member Judy Ogalla (R-Monee) introduced an amendment to reduce the levy. “I think that we need to reconsider and take a hold on the money going forward so that we can see how those funds are being distributed,” Ogalla said, initially proposing to keep the levy at $8 million before amending her motion to $10 million.

Member Julie Berkowicz (R-Naperville) raised issues of accountability and transparency, stating that the 708 Board is not directly accountable to the County Board for its spending decisions. “I would like to see accountability and transparency here,” she said. “I absolutely do not support this. This is outrageous.”

In response, supporters of the full funding pushed back. “The information has been in all of our hands,” said Member Elnalyn Costa (D-Bolingbrook), referencing an annual report provided by the 708 Board’s executive director. “Somebody that’s suffering with a mental health condition, today is the time. This moment is the time.”

Speaker Joe VanDuyne (D-Wilmington) also voiced support for the 708 Board’s work. “Mental health, we can see that folks are in more need of mental health than ever before,” he stated.

Ultimately, Ogalla’s amendment to set the levy at $10 million passed, representing a middle ground. The board then approved the amended resolution, providing the 708 Board with a $2 million increase for the upcoming fiscal year.