Kane County Board Approves Balanced FY2026 Budget
The Kane County Board has approved a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2026 made possible through the cooperation of elected officials and department heads who met the Board's directive to reduce overall budget requests by up to 10%. Working in a bipartisan effort, the Board closed a general fund gap while preserving essential mandated county services.
In response to ongoing inflation, rising fuel and supply costs and a competitive labor market, the Board reallocated RTA sales tax funding to support public safety expenses and adjusted the Motor Fuel Tax to ensure continued road improvements and infrastructure projects across Kane County. In addition, funding from the County's Riverboat Casino Fund helped offset revenue losses from across-the-board cuts.
“This budget reflects some tough choices, but it's one we make responsibly," said Kane County Board Chairman Corinne Pierog. “Even as we prioritize essential spending, I witness every day the dedication of 1,300 public servants who show up for our residents. We are all in this together and together we’ll continue to serve our community with care, commitment, integrity and purpose.”
The final FY2026 budget totals $405 million, including $127 million in the general fund and $278 million in special revenue funds which are allocated to specific programs and projects including public safety, transportation, health services and other designated county initiatives. This reflects a $17 million (12%) decrease in the general fund and a $21 million (7%) decrease in special revenue funds for a total reduction of 9% from FY2025.
The Board also approved:
• A 2.9% increase in the Tax CPI generating $1.7 million to support veterans' assistance and general fund obligations required by statute
• A motor fuel tax increase effective July 1, 2026, from 5 to 8 cents generating $2.6 million in FY2026 and $6.2 million over a twelve-month period for the Kane County Division of Transportation road and infrastructure projects
• General Fund Reserves of just over $2 million to maintain fiscal stability
Last year was the first time since 2013 that the County Board increased the general fund property tax levy except to account for new construction. For Fiscal Year 2025, the property tax levy increased by about $2 million.
Chairman Pierog also expressed her appreciation for the hard work of the Finance Committee, the county's elected officers and the late Dale Berman, who served as the Board's Finance Committee Chair for several years. The foundation of this successful budget was developed in tandem with Berman, who passed away at the age of 91 on October 2, 2025.
Joint Statement from Kane County Board Members Bill Lenert (District 5) and Vern Tepe (District 22)
"Our thanks to the Kane County Board for passing the 2026 Kane County Budget. This year's budget presented unique challenges for the Board. In particular, the General Fund experienced significant revenue shortages that required substantial reductions across all affected departments, especially those led by our elected officials.
This progress was achieved through collaboration, transparency and a shared commitment to fiscal responsibility. We thank everyone who contributed to this positive and productive effort."
You can find Kane County's financial documents by clicking here.
