Enough is Enough: Say NO to Kane County’s Latest Tax Increase

03 February, 2025

Another tax increase is on the ballot, and Kane County residents need to take a stand. The proposed .75% Retail Tax Referendum is yet another financial burden placed on hardworking citizens and local businesses. With skyrocketing costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty, now is not the time to increase taxes. On April 1st, vote NO to this unnecessary tax hike.

Why This Tax Hurts Families and Businesses

Sales taxes are regressive, meaning they disproportionately affect low-income families who spend a larger portion of their income on necessities. The addition of this retail tax blatantly disregards the struggles of hardworking citizens trying to make ends meet.

If passed, this tax will increase the cost of essential goods, including:

  • Clothing and footwear

  • Furniture and home furnishings

  • Prepared food (e.g., restaurant meals)

  • Soft drinks

  • Gasoline

  • Cleaning, medical, baby, and pet supplies

  • Amusements and electronics

Local businesses will suffer, too. Many shops are still recovering from economic downturns and increased costs. A new retail tax will make it harder for them to compete, especially when neighboring counties offer lower tax rates. This tax is not just bad policy—it’s a direct attack on small businesses and family budgets.

Kane County’s Budget Problem: It’s Not a Revenue Issue

Since 2021, Kane County’s budget has ballooned from $77 million to $139 million in 2025. This dramatic increase has happened despite a declining population. Instead of raising taxes, Kane County leaders need to fix how they’re spending the money they already have.

One of the Most Taxed Counties in the Nation

Kane County is already burdened with some of the highest property tax rates in the nation:

  • Kane County Property Tax Rate: 2.6%

  • Illinois Average Property Tax Rate: 2.35%

  • United States Average Property Tax Rate: 0.99%

Do we really need another tax when we are already paying more than most Americans? Instead of demanding more from taxpayers, the County Board should focus on fiscal responsibility and accountability.

Reckless Spending and Lack of Accountability

The September 26, 2023, Committee of the Whole Meeting exposed serious flaws in Kane County’s financial management. Here’s how the County has mismanaged your tax dollars:

  • No Strategic Planning: There is no Board-approved plan outlining how public safety, public health, or other essential services should be funded. Without clear goals, taxpayers are left paying for an inefficient system.

  • Repeated Budget Violations: The County Board has consistently approved spending that does not follow Kane County’s own financial policies.

Examples of Wasteful Spending

  • 28% Pay Raises for Officials: In May 2024, the Board approved massive salary increases for the Circuit Clerk, Recorder, Auditor, and Coroner—despite these candidates previously stating such raises were unnecessary.

  • $103.4 Million in Federal COVID Relief Funds Misused: Instead of using federal funds responsibly, the County spent them on new hires in public health, IT, and human services. What happens when these funds run out? Taxpayers will be stuck paying for salaries and benefits.

  • Judicial and Public Safety Budget Mismanagement: A staggering 79% of this budget is allocated to salaries and benefits. Will these funds actually go toward crime prevention and community safety, or just grow government bureaucracy?

  • Building Purchases Without Proper Planning: In 2023, the County sought to spend $39.5 million to buy and renovate a new Health Department building. When that plan was rejected, they still spent $2.77 million on another building and plan to add $2.5 million in renovations. When forced to budget responsibly, the County miraculously saved over $30 million—proof that unnecessary spending is rampant.

The Real Impact of Higher Taxes

Taxes in Illinois never go away—they only get bigger. This retail tax increase is no exception. Once enacted, the funds will likely go toward:

  • Never-ending salaries and benefits

  • Costly and unplanned building projects

  • Supporting a bloated budget with no clear accountability

Vote NO on April 1st—Demand Fiscal Accountability!

Taxes in Illinois never go away—they only get bigger. This retail tax increase is no exception. Once enacted, there will be no stopping future hikes. Kane County doesn’t need more of your money; it needs to fix its wasteful spending habits.

Demand accountability from your government. On April 1st, vote NO to the retail tax increase! Your voice matters—make sure Kane County hears it loud and clear.