Kane Co. braces for a 'tough year', faces budget cuts

Most Kane County departments would have to make cuts under a draft budget for next year, which was reviewed today.

County board finance committee chairman John Noverini suggested not considering appeals to the $275 million budget until the middle of next year since revenues would be down and funds are needed to build the new jail.

"It's a tough year," said county Finance Director Cheryl Pattelli, noting $10 million needed to be cut from departments' requested funding to balance the budget plan.

Revenues are down partially because of a decrease in housing permit and recording fees, she said. Property tax growth is about 10 percent behind last year, she said.

Sheriff Pat Perez said that could force him to institute a hiring freeze at the office.

The move could backfire, because the office's overtime pay could increase, he said.

"Unlike other departments, what we provide is a 24-hour, seven day a week operation," he said.

Former Sheriff Ken Ramsey hired four people near the end of his term, bringing the number of employees to 95, although only 91 are budgeted by the county for next year.

Perez said that through attrition, he wouldn't need to lay anyone off, but wouldn't be able to hire needed entry- level deputies.

The office won't be getting more money for new squad cars, but haven't got more money in its maintenance fund to make repairs to older ones, Perez added.

"Occasionally there will be a reduction in service," said committee member Jan Carlson. "But the alternative to that is going back to the constituents who elected us all and telling them we have to raise their taxes. We're not going to do that."

The budget will go to the county's executive committee next month and then to the county board for approval.