04/22/2024
Thanks to ALL of you for supporting me. I have received numerous POSITIVE FEEDBACK on these emails. I will continue to strive to keep them informative and relevant.
This one includes a BRIEF survey on one way to deal with the 'Finance Gap' that the county is facing. Thanks - in advance - for sharing your opinion. And - PLEASE - forward this email to your friends. - Vern
Going forward, Kane has a major gap in Revenue vs Expenses that will require either additional revenue, extreme personnel cuts, or a combination of both.
I made a presentation to the Finance Committee on March 27 regarding this issue and the major alternatives that the Kane Board has to consider. I have uploaded this 12-minute presentation to my website & Youtube, and have included a link for those who may want to view it.
Kane FinancialCrisis - YouTube (YouTube link)
Federal COVID funds have enabled us to balance our budget (required) for the past several years. But we are now dipping into our reserves which is not an effective way to finance the County. And, we also need more space for Courts, Personnel, and to replace aging buildings. We have a long-term plan to accomplish this, but effective funding is required to make this happen.
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One way to provide the additional funding is to increase our Sales Tax. This is how DuPage County finances most of their operations.
A Referendum would be required in order to increase Kane's Sales Tax, and that option is being discussed now.
So, I've included a brief survey - just on my own - so I can be guided by YOU on what should/might transpire on this issue.
Please reply to this email with your choice of one of the following three options: A, B or C
A- 1.0% increase in the Sales Tax (that would generate approximately $68 million per year).
B - .5% increase in the Sales Tax (would generate approx. $34 million) (and if you vote for A, I assume you would also vote for B).
C - NO to any increase in Sales Tax (which would require that we purse the other options in my presentation above).
AND - feel free to add your comments. I'll publish the results in my next email.
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New Health Department building - NEW DEVELOPMENTS
In my last communication I said that I supported a new building in St Charles.
I still wish that would happen - BUT, other alternatives, that are far less expensive, and are very acceptable, have arisen.
What looks most likely is a 2-Location solution. We're evaluating purchasing a building in Elgin that would complement our current building in Aurora and allow us to, more effectively, deliver services in the Northern portion of the County. Although I would prefer a new location in St Charles, the economics of doing this is far less than a new building.
The new Elgin building could also house other County Services as well as a training & meeting room.
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Saturday May 4; 10 AM - 3 PM - FREE ADMISSION - CREEKSIDE LODGE - 2554 Edgewater Drive
Exhibitors will be available to discuss Home Decorating; Patio Design; Landscaping; Painting; Blinds;
Shutters; and MUCH MORE!
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ILLINOIS SENIOR TAX FREEZE – UPDATE (REPEAT)
There are several bills in the State House on this issue this year. The 'resistance' is that it shifts the tax burden to everyone else. So, there is not enough support, at this time, to get the limit changed. So, nothing will happen until this fall, and even then. it may not pass.
BUT – I WILL STILL KEEP WORKING ON THIS ISSUE!!!
The COLA increases in Social Security for 2022 (5.9%), 2023 (8.7%) and 2024 (3.1%) (a cumulative 18.7% increase) will mean that many seniors will lose their eligibility for this benefit. Let’s raise the household income limitation amount to $75,000 so that this does not happen.
Even if you lost your eligibility this year, you won't lose the accumulated discount if you're eligible next year.
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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
NIKO'S TAVERN at Rte 20 & Nesler Rd.
Nice Sports Bar & a good place for Lunch or Dinner 224-856-5197 Location - Niko's Tavern Elgin (nikoselgin.com)
(JUST TELL THEM VERN SENT YOU)
Small Businesses are the backbone of this country. So, with each email I send I will (very briefly) highlight small businesses in my district. There is no cost associated with this - and if you want to nominate a small business, please email me at [email protected].
