Kane County looks at tax breaks for spouses of fallen officers

Widows of Kane County police, firefighters and other emergency workers who die in the line of duty might soon get a break on their tax bills.

County board members are considering a new program that would abate 100 percent of county property taxes for those who remain after a spouse makes the ultimate sacrifice.

Mark Armstrong, Kane County supervisor of assessments, broached the subject last week to the county board's public service committee, citing recent legislation making such programs possible. He said the Surviving Spouse Abatement would help lighten the tax burden for people such as Linda Figgins, whose husband Dan died in 2005 while on the job as a 27-year veteran police sergeant in St. Charles.

Under the tentative plan, Armstrong said, Figgins would save more than $400 a year through the abatement of county property taxes, although she still would pay any school district or municipal property taxes.

"If she remains single or becomes a senior, (the savings) could be an even bigger deal," said Michael Kenyon, a South Elgin Republican and chairman of the public service committee.

As proposed, the program would be available to widows of local public and private sector emergency workers, including firefighters, paramedics and ambulance drivers. To qualify, beneficiaries must remain single, live in the county and meet various housing guidelines.

On Friday, public service committee members said they would like to start the program this year. A recommendation to the full county board is expected in March.