Will County Board Members Question Fairness of New Transit Tax Structure

Will County Committee of the Whole Meeting | December 2025

Article Summary: Will County Board members expressed concerns regarding the funding mechanisms and governance structure of the incoming Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA). Members questioned the diversion of gas tax revenue from road maintenance and argued that Will County lacks sufficient representation on the new board relative to its financial contributions.

Board Concerns Key Points:

• Gas Tax Diversion: Member Steve Balich criticized using gas tax revenue for transit, arguing it removes essential funding for road maintenance.

• Representation: Member Daniel Butler argued that board representation should be based on financial contributions rather than political appointments.

• Cook County Dominance: RTA Director JD Ross warned that the Governor, Chicago Mayor, and Cook County President control 15 of the 20 seats on the new NITA board.

• Safety Concerns: Member Julie Berkowicz pressed for improved safety measures, including potential platform screen doors.

During the Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, Will County Board members challenged transit officials on the equity and sustainability of the new state transit legislation.

Board Member Steve Balich questioned the reallocation of 5% of the sales tax on motor fuel to transit operations.

“We’re going to end up with a shortfall for the roads and then we’re going to be told to pay another sales tax,” Balich said. He characterized the move as “robbing Peter to pay Paul” and argued that Will County residents often pay taxes for services they cannot use.

Board Member Daniel Butler echoed these sentiments, suggesting that governance should follow funding.

“Shouldn’t it be based on contributions?” Butler asked. “There’s a lot of people that pay for buses that don’t ride a bus because they’re driving their cars… and they’re paying for the system.”

JD Ross, Will County’s representative on the current RTA Board, shared concerns regarding the makeup of the future NITA board. He pointed out that while the collar counties get five representatives, the Governor, Cook County Board President, and Chicago Mayor appoint the remaining 15 members.

“Theoretically, it could be five more members from Cook County,” Ross warned regarding the Governor’s appointments. “It’s a legitimate concern to me that we… need to be concerned about.”

Member Julie Berkowicz focused on safety and the user experience. She asked if the agencies would consider advanced safety features like platform screen doors used in Asia.

“I chose to walk two miles to Union Station the last time I was in the city rather than get on the CTA,” Berkowicz said, citing safety concerns. RTA officials encouraged her to pass those specific recommendations to the new NITA board once seated.