5.
Public Comment (Agenda Items)
Frank Esposito, 64 White Oak Cir, St. Charles, commended the Committee on their
conversation pertaining to the budget at the October 23, 2023 Special County Board
meeting. He noted that it was obvious members of the Board have different opinions on
funding. While reading through the Finance agenda packet, he keyed in on the number
of people that are leaving the State of Illinois due to high taxes, which in turn lessens
the amount of taxpayers in Kane County. He asked the Committee instead of raising
taxes to cover the projected loss, expenses should be cut. Esposito stated that he
understands the need to pay employees an adequate amount, but the County can look
into the unnecessary spending throughout departments. The Committee must go
through the fine points of the budget and cut spending. After doing so, maybe taxes
would not have to be raised by much. Esposito spoke on the Treasurer's anticipated
interest earned amount.
Ruth Kuzmank, 19 Southgate Course, St. Charles, voiced her concerns about
Treasurer Lauzen's behavior. She wondered if this could relate to taxes being
increased. Due to Lauzen's behavior, two County employees have been released from
employment and granted a large severance, which is taxpayer's money. Kuzmank
stated that former HRM Exec. Dir. Sheila McCraven filed a federal complaint against
Lauzen for harassment and inappropriate culture within his office. She was granted a
six-figure severance pay. Last May, former Treasurer Office's Dir. of Finance
Operations, Carolyn Brady, was paid a $46K severance pay. These amounts are pretty
significant and a horrible use of taxpayers' dollars. Kuzmank requested an audit be
done on these severance pay offs and released to the public. This is a place the
County could be saving money. In the economy today, everything is being increased
and will continue to do so. The County cannot afford to lose employees, especially
under these terms. Kuzmank stated that the Finance Committee has some hard
decisions to make and should request an audit on these payouts.
Vikki Fugman, 630 Winnebago Trail, Batavia, stated she is a 36-year homeowner. She
loves Batavia, but life transitions have come about that could possibly make her unable
to afford to live in Kane County, especially if Kane County raises taxes. This is a
concern of those that are aged or aging. Fugman shared her concerns on the
possibility of moving out of the State, largely because of high taxes. She asked the
Committee to think wide and look at those that do not have the income to afford this.
Eric Theisen, 49W677 Middleton Road, Maple Park, reminded the Committee that the
vote is not just for increasing taxes, but for the people that work really hard for their
money and live in Kane County. It is becoming so expensive to live here. This affects
people's lives!
6.
7.
Treasurer's Report (C. Lauzen)
Monthly Report
A.
Co. Bd. Vice-Chair Tepe stated that the monthly Treasurer Report was on file.
He asked the Committee if there were any questions for the Treasurer. No
additional report was made.
Auditor's Report (P. Wegman)