Kane Co.'s final sales tax numbers show consumers still being frugal

The last thing a taxing body wants to see when it's struggling to avoid finishing in the red is that a chunk of its anticipated income is even less than its lowered expectations. Yet that's exactly the case in Kane County as the final sales tax receipts for 2009 are in.

The numbers provided by the finance department show county consumers spent less in every month of 2009 when compared to 2008. The lone exception was July, but only by a measly $10,000. The net impact of that ongoing trend is a 14 percent reduction in the amount of sales tax dollars the county received. Total receipts came in at about $12.14 million. That's about $400,000 less than even the revised projection county staff made when it became obvious the initial forecast was too optimistic. Sales tax dollars began a downward spiral in 2007.

The county left itself only a small cushion of contingency money to finish the year without an overall deficit after bailing out the sheriff's office with some last-minute money that ensured the sheriff's department could make payroll. County Finance Director Cheryl Pattelli said she remains optimistic about closing the books on 2009 without a repeat of the deficit in 2008.

"We did have some revenues that came in higher than projections," said Pattelli, who did not give specifics, pending a complete audit.

"At the end of the day I think we'll be OK even with that shortage in the sales tax. I do think the county will finish in the black."