Kane County board places FY2026 budget on public display after first-review reductions
Loading...
Summary
The board approved a resolution to place the FY2026 budget on public display. Staff said the proposed budget reduces the general fund from about $144 million in 2025 to $126 million in 2026 and trims special revenue funds; the total 2026 budget is about $405 million, down roughly $38 million (9%) from 2025.
Kane County’s board voted to place the proposed FY2026 budget on public display on Oct. 22, starting the 15-day public review period required before final adoption.
County staff summarized the numbers: the 2025 general fund budget was about $144 million; the first-review 2026 general fund is approximately $126 million, a $17 million (12%) reduction. Special revenue funds, primarily capital projects, fall from about $299.8 million in 2025 to roughly $278 million for 2026, a decline of about $21 million (7%). In total, the county’s draft 2026 budget is about $405 million, down roughly $38 million (9%) from the amended 2025 total of $443 million.
Board members asked for clarity on where a $23 million figure referenced during debate fit into the calculations. Kathleen Hopkinson explained the packet separates general fund and special revenue funds and that the last-page totals reflect special revenue funds; the larger totals reconcile once both sections are combined. Hopkinson also said the draft budget for the general fund is using a little over $2 million in reserves, not the larger reserve draw some board members had feared.
The budget resolution (25-388) passed on a roll call with one member recorded as opposed. After the vote the board chair said the budget packet and a hard copy will be posted for public review and that comments may be submitted to the county board office; the Finance Committee will continue deliberations later in the month with public input.
During public comment and discussion, speakers highlighted concerns about rising taxes and spending priorities, including questions about Transportation (KDOT) projects and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenue that some residents said had diverted funds from county services. Several residents urged the board to reduce spending and reliance on reserves; others urged the board to preserve services such as public safety and the courts.
Board members asked staff to prepare department-level scenarios showing how many positions would be affected under different budget options and to clarify the negotiations with elected officials that remain ongoing. The board scheduled additional hearings, and staff said the full packet will be available online and at the county clerk’s office for 15 days starting Oct. 23.
