TAXATION SERIES: 2025 Budget Situation Part 5 - Kane Facts | Honest Truth in Kane County Illinois

How is Kane County Addressing the Problem?

Following the failed referendum, the Kane County Board has considered a range of alternatives to address the growing shortfall. These include:

Personnel cost containment: A proposal to suspend 2026 wage increases for county employees is under consideration, Broader discussions about a hiring freeze and the elimination of positions added during the pandemic era are also ongoing.
Zero-based budgeting: The board is exploring a zero-based budgeting approach that would require each department to justify its expenses from the ground up. This could result in the elimination or consolidation of programs that are deemed non-essential.
Capital project deferrals: On July 2, the Executive Committee of the Board recommended postponing 19 transportation capital projects after staff projected a 13.5% decline in recurring transportation revenue. The full board is expected to act on the recommendation later this summer.
RTA sales tax protection: County leaders are actively lobbying state legislators to preserve Kane’s share of the RTA sales tax. Without action, the county could lose access to $27 million annually that currently supports essential services.

A list of ways to increase revenue and reduce cost, as discussed in the May 20,2025 County Finance and Budget Committee Meeting is shown below:

Table 3: County Finance and Budget Committee Budget Shortfall Proposals