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Resident tells Campton Hills trustees TIFs can become "corporate welfare," cites county figures
Summary
During public comment Paul Mayer warned trustees that tax-increment financing can divert county tax revenue to developers, saying in his view it raises taxes for ordinary residents and urging trustees to be cautious about approving TIF-related elements of large developments.
Paul Mayer used his public-comment time at the Campton Hills special meeting to warn trustees about tax-increment financing, calling some TIF uses "corporate welfare at the expense of the taxpayer." Mayer cited figures he said came from county offices: he alleged there are 63 active TIF districts in Kane County and claimed those districts accounted for $554,000,000 in incremental tax revenues he said represented about 31% of total county tax receipts.
Mayer urged trustees to be wary of approving TIF-funded incentives, particularly for large developments that convert farmland to housing, saying the programs can shift tax burdens to the general populace. He offered to speak further with any trustees or residents after the meeting and to connect them with other people he described as knowledgeable on the topic. Board members thanked him but did not debate or rebut the county figures during the meeting.
Mayer's remarks were delivered during the meeting's public-comment period and did not prompt a formal response or vote; trustees later proceeded to a lengthy presentation and discussion of a preliminary PUD for the LaFox-area site that included a parallel TIF-eligibility review.
