County needs to get creative

In response to the economic downturn that will impact Kane County and its residents' budgets, the Kane County Board will be putting a Band-Aid on what most likely will become a wound. Treasurer David Rickert has proposed a 30-day grace period on the payment of this year's initial tax bill due June 1.

Treasurer Rickert, states in an April 9 Daily Herald article that the County during the June grace period will lose "$124,000 in late penalties," which is a portion of the budgeted $1.5 million it anticipates receiving in late fees.

Kane County is going to be encountering a tough new paradigm. A combination of decreasing tax revenue and the potential effect of high unemployment will certainly impact Kane County's already stringent budget. Kane County projects collection of about $1.27 billion in property taxes, 4.3% of which is returned to the county.

In these challenging times, perhaps a broader and bolder approach is needed. Under this changing landscape, the Kane County Board needs to continue to review its tax collection policy. The Treasurer's office needs to work with stressed taxpayers and waive the late fees. This is not a time to be punitive.

Another suggestion is to extend the current Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program to those financially affected by the coronavirus. This deferral program allows eligible seniors to have their property taxes added as a second mortgage, which is then held by the state. The state pays the property tax and recovers the money when the property is sold. A similar program could be established for homeowners and small businesses who have lost their income.

These are unique times and require prudent yet creative solutions. I encourage the Kane County Board to look at long-term solutions that will help our residents to not only stay well, but to also help maintain their fiscal health.

Corinne M. Pierog

Batavia