Kane Co. budget showdown coming Monday

Monday will mark the final showdown between Kane County Board members and any departments seeking unusual budget increases. Coroner Rob Russell will continue to be under an especially bright spotlight as he tries to come to terms with the board over a large difference in how much money — and how many people — he needs to run his office.

The county’s finance committee will convene a special meeting at 1 p.m. at the Kane County Government Center to hear from Russell and others.

Russell’s own budget plan calls for either $144,000 in additional spending to cover escalating overtime costs or $80,000 in additional spending to hire two new employees. Until recently, County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen had criticized Russell for asking for too much money at a time when the county is trying to maintain a flat property tax levy. A new plan backed by Lauzen gives Russell two new employees but strips out all other salary increases to help pay the cost.

Russell had not publicly responded to the plan until an interview on Friday where he said he is anxious to come to terms with any plan that provides additional staff in his office.

“I am encouraged about that plan,” Russell said. “I think they see now what our dilemma is with overtime. We’re going to have a lot less overtime, but that is dependent on getting those two new people.”

As far as getting stripped of any salary increases in his office, Russell said that’s a misnomer. The proposed increases in his salary line relate to a per diem stipends his deputies receive for working after hours. In an effort to reconcile his budget with the county board, Russell said he will pull those dollar amounts off the table. But the new union formed by Russell’s deputies will probably bring that money to the negotiating table, he said.

“I believe the union is going to look at that as being part of their salary,” Russell said. “It’s not a raise. I put that money in the budget because I’m trying to let the taxpayers know the true costs of the office.”

Employee raises stemming from ongoing negotiations on several union contracts throughout the county is a cost that’s gone unaccounted for throughout the county’s budget process so far. Board members have until the end of October to put a final budget on display for a public hearing. The new fiscal year begins at the close of November.