Commission adopts fee schedule allowing county to charge special service districts, with discretionary language

The Kane County Commission on May 27 unanimously adopted Resolution R2025-14 to amend the county schedule of fees to include services provided to special service districts. Taylor Glover briefed commissioners on the change, which adds two fee entries (for the county attorney and government affairs) so the county can charge districts for as-requested legal and administrative services.

Commissioners discussed whether the new fees should be described as discretionary to make clear that elected offices (for example, the treasurer or clerk) are not required to provide services to every district. Several commissioners proposed adding an asterisk or footnote indicating the fees are discretionary and subject to departmental capacity; the commission approved language to that effect and directed staff to incorporate it into the schedule.

Legal staff noted there is not a standing contract with any district under this amendment; the schedule enables the county to charge for services when requested, and separate agreements would define scope and availability. Commissioners emphasized fairness across districts and the need to avoid appearing to subsidize one area at the expense of others.

The resolution passed unanimously. Staff will publish the redlined fee schedule and add explanatory language consistent with the commissioners’ direction.

Quote from the meeting: "So it could be as simple as putting in parentheses ‘discretionary’ after each one of those, or...an asterisk and put at the bottom,'" a commissioner said.

Authorities and actions: Resolution R2025-14 (amending county Schedule of Fees) was moved and adopted in public session.