Meeting Summary and Briefs: Finance Committee for February 3, 2026

Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026

The Will County Finance Committee met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to address critical facility needs and review the county’s financial standing. The meeting featured a detailed presentation on the Treasurer’s investment portfolio, which is generating significant income for the county, and the approval of an emergency freezer replacement for the jail. Additionally, the committee moved forward with a professional study to reassess the costs of policing Homer Glen.

The meeting began with a point of order regarding the minutes from the previous meeting, which failed to load for several members. The committee voted to approve the minutes with members Julie Berkowicz (District 10) abstaining due to the technical issue.

News Briefs:

Sales Tax Revenue Shift:
Finance Director ReShawn Howard provided an update on sales tax revenues, noting a significant shift due to changes in state law effective January 1, 2025. Revenue from the “local use tax”—applied to online purchases from out-of-state retailers—has decreased as those funds are now categorized as “retailer’s occupation tax” and flow into the state sales tax bucket. Howard assured the committee that while one line item is dropping, the state sales tax line item is seeing a corresponding increase, with 2025 actuals currently at 126% of budget.

Fiscal Year-End Budget Transfers:
The committee approved a resolution for fiscal year-end budget transfers. Chair Sherry Newquist (District 3) described the measure as standard “housekeeping” to balance line items at the close of the fiscal year. The motion passed unanimously.

Delinquent Tax Resolutions:
A standard resolution regarding delinquent tax properties was approved by the committee. The item allows the county to dispose of its interest in properties acquired through the delinquent tax program. During the discussion, Member Julie Berkowicz noted that some documents in the agenda packet were scanned sideways, making them difficult to read, and requested staff ensure proper orientation in the future.