Kane a leader in fiscal stewardship

Jim Fuller’s Sept. 22 article, “Kane County taxpayers say assessments too low,” raises a number of important points about the struggle to keep property taxes as low as possible in the face of changing economic circumstances.

Over the past decade governments in Kane County have grappled with ordinary issues like inflation, unique issues like rapid population growth, and universal issues like economic recession.

In 2009, what cost $1 a decade earlier cost $1.64. Same goes for the costs of operating government at the same level: gas for police cars, cement for roads and bridges cost much more than 10 years ago.

Also, Kane County now has 110,000 more people than in 2000 — a 27 percent increase. More people need more services.

As noted in the story, in 2000 Kane County levied $34 million in taxes. With inflation alone it would cost nearly $56 million to purchase the same level of service in 2009, not to mention meet the needs of more than 100,000 new residents. As the story shows, the county’s 2009 tax levy is only $52.5 million — well below the combined rate of inflation and population growth.

Kane County has sought to implement greater efficiency in government, restructuring redundant and duplicative departments, consolidating support services and reducing head count. And since we have been hit by the recession, the county board has cut year-over-year budgets, reducing spending in departments under its financial authority.

Simply, when adjusted for inflation, Kane County levies less than it did in 2000. And among the types of government in Fuller’s story, the county’s budget growth is far lower than any of the others.

We must work to reduce the size and scope of government in Illinois. In Kane County, we moved money to areas we needed it more and cut or eliminated spending elsewhere, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective government that has set the standard for fiscal stewardship.

Karen McConnaughay

Chairman, Kane County Board