In December of 2020, when Democrats took control of the Kane County Board, we had several major challenges. Here, in my opinion, is what they were and how these, and other issues, have been addressed.
- We were in the midst of COVID
- We found that pay inequity – particularly with women – was commonplace. We actually had full-time employees who were on food stamps, and some women who would have been justified, in my opinion, to bring discrimination suits against the county.
- Maintenance projects had been delayed for so long that they were often dealt with on an emergency basis. At a higher cost.
- Starting pay for nurses & attorneys was so low that we could not hire people, or if we did hire them, they soon left to go to another county.
- Cost-of-living Real Estate Tax increases, that virtually every other taxing body does, had not been done in 9 years (it’s now 13 years).
- Long-term planning, at the top level, was non-existent.
- Few elected officials planned any further than the next election cycle.
Under the direction of Corinne Pierog, our new County Chair, and the 1st ever Democratic County Chair, we began to address these issues & a lot more.
First, COVID was our top priority. Addressing COVID, vaccine distribution, and all of the effects was a challenge. Not everything was perfect, but in retrospect, I think we did an excellent job.
Second, the county received over $200 million in COVID Funds. A large part was distributed to local businesses & non-profits in order to keep them operational. But, because of county finances, we have utilized these funds, for county operations, wherever & whenever we could. This saved county taxpayers money AND allowed us to address some of the issues listed above.
Third, we supported our State’s Attorney, Public Defender, Sheriff, & Health Dept. in raising salaries so that we could retain key personnel and hire new staff. Sometimes filling vacancies that had been open for years.
Fourth, we addressed the pay inequity that existed and have cured many, but not all, of the underlying issues. It takes time to ‘turn’ a big ship.
Fifth, we re-organized the Maintenance Department, had them do a careful & through review, and now have both short & long-term plans to address the on-going maintenance issues.
Sixth, we hired a consulting firm that did a review of all county facilities and created a Facilities Plan. Key recommendations are that we need more space – at least 100,000 sq. ft. – at the Judicial Center & need to redo the Government Center in Geneva. Cost estimate – $250 million.
Seventh, we have failed on Cost-of-living Tax Increases. Even though the typical homeowner would only pay about $25 per year more, too many of my fellow board members are afraid that they won’t be re-elected.
BUT, by utilizing COVID Government Funds, we currently have about $70,000,000 in reserves.
So Where Are We Today?
We are all feeling the impact of inflation. Yes, Social Security has been increased over 15% in the past few years, but so have grocery, rent, taxes & other expenses.
Kane County Finances are complicated. Our total budget is about $415 million. Much of it is paid for by State, Federal, and grant funds. Only about $60 million (1/5th) comes from Real Estate Taxes, and the county portion of your RE Taxes is only 4% of your tax amount.
The key fund that pays most of our people is the County General Fund. Its budget is about $160 million. That funding comes from RE Taxes, Sales Tax, Fuel Tax, and county fees.
Preliminary 2025 budget numbers had us showing a $35 million deficit. And for 2026, the deficit is estimated to be $40 million.
By utilizing COVID Funds and reallocating revenue from KDOT we have decreased the 2025 deficit down to $29 Million.
The cost increases are primarily due to inflation, personnel, and increased product costs. I saw this happening four years ago, but I was unable to get any support in addressing the issue. We desperately need more revenue in order to provide our mandated services and properly service the residents of Kane County.
It looks like the proposed solution will be to have a Sales Tax Referendum on the Municipal ballot on April 1, 2025. That will be for .75%. That would bring in about $51 million/year.
But, if the referendum fails, we will have no choice but to make severe cuts to personnel and services. At least 150 people would be laid off – which would severely impact morale and services. – Thanks for your attention, I’ll continue to keep you informed.
Vern
