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Cook County forecast shows FY26 general fund surplus as sales tax uptick and remote sales boost receipts
Summary
County staff told the Independent Revenue Forecasting Commission that sales-tax receipts and other economically sensitive revenues outperformed estimates in FY25, producing a projected FY26 general fund surplus of about $21.1 million; staff also reported $137 million in ARPA funds remained to be spent before a December 2026 deadline.
Cook County staff reported that several economically sensitive revenue streams exceeded budgetary expectations in fiscal 2025, producing stronger-than-expected receipts and a positive near-term outlook for the general fund.
"Many of the county's revenues exceed budget in fiscal '25, including the hotel, amusement, and parking tax revenues," the chair said during opening remarks, noting sales-tax growth tied to state legislation. Staff later described sales tax outperformance of roughly $114 million in FY25 and told commissioners that a change in state sourcing rules has substantially increased collections from out-of-state or changing-location sellers.
Michael, the county forecaster, told the…
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