Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Meeting Minutes

BERMAN, Lenert, Juby, Lewis, Sanchez, Surges, Tepe, ex-officios Roth (County Vice Chair)

and Pierog (County Chair)

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Vice-Chairman Lenert called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Dale Berman

Board Member Bill Lenert

PRESENT

Board Member Leslie Juby

Board Member Anita Lewis

Board Member Jarett Sanchez

Board Member Vern Tepe

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Board Member Clifford Surges

ABSENT

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan*, Bates, Gripe, Kious*, Linder*, Molina*,

Penesis*; Treasurer Lauzen; Auditor Wegman; Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson*; ITD/BLD

Exec. Dir. Fahnestock & staff Kash, Palleson; SAO staff Frank, Hunt*; Circuit Clk.

Barreiro*; Environ. & Water Res. Dir. Wollnik & staff Hinshaw; KCAC Admin.

Youngsteadt*; KCHD CFO Snowden*; and members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

Vice-Chairman Lenert announced the remote attendance requests for today's meeting.

He asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Member Berman

attending today's meeting remotely. There were no objections. (Committee Member

Sanchez arrived in-person at 9:02 a.m.)

Approval of Minutes: August 27, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Vern Tepe

Public Comment

Steve Leffler, St Charles spoke on the FY2026 Budget. He spoke on his concerns of

the County utilizing the Grand Victoria Riverboat fund to balance the budget. He

explained that when the County is programming money for internal uses, they are

leaving out critical external organizations that function for the community, such as the

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Rising Lights, and

Suicide Prevention Services of America. He stated that these are critical organizations

within the community that are helping individuals with their needs. He suggested that

before the Committee decides to take all the money from the Riverboat Fund and

utilize it for internal purposes, that other options are considered. He voiced several

options, such as raising the County's Gas Tax by one penny, which would generate

approximately $6M.

Kane County resident, Denise Theobald, spoke on the proposed FY2026 Budget. She

commended the County Board and Departments for working in good faith to close the

budget gap. She stated that departments are cutting costs, implementing a hiring

freeze, and making difficult decisions. She explained that this comes at a time where

Kane County families are stretched thin financially, inflation continues to drive up the

cost of everything, and cuts to services are occurring that help the most vulnerable.

Theobald stated that a proposal was passed to reduce the FY2026 Budget by up to

8%. She questioned Treasurer Lauzen's requested 30% increase to the Treasurer's

Office's FY2026 Budget. She explained that the Treasurer's Office's FY2025 Budget

was $830,277.00. With the Board's 8% reduction request, Lauzen's budget should be

no more than $850,598. Instead, Lauzen submitted a budget of $1,078,276 from the

County's General Fund. Theobald stated while every other department/office is cutting

expenses, and Lauzen has asked for an increase. She questioned the reasoning

behind the increase. She asked Lauzen if he is now admitting that inflation is out of

control and needs more money to run his office. If so, Lauzen has been misleading the

public on the County's finances and the need for revenues. Theobald spoke on

Lauzen's salary and his views on cutting expenses. She addressed Lauzen and stated

that the public deserves answers to their questions.

Brian Anderson, Sugar Grove, addressed the previous speaker. He stated that

Treasurer Lauzen has publicly invited the constituent to his office. He challenged the

speaker to meet with Lauzen to receive the answers she seeks. Anderson spoke on

Resolution J: Authorizing Termination of Contract with Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker,

LLC for Strategic Planning Services. He explained that January 2025, he came to a

Finance and Budget Committee meeting and challenged the Board about the Strategic

Plan consulting fee. He stated 238 days have passed since his challenge, and, today,

he sees a resolution to cancel the contract. He commended the Committee for

introducing this resolution and for focusing on the FY2026 Budget. He stated that the

County needs to continue to prune, challenge, look, and to not listen to voices

distraction, such as the proposed Paid Internship Program. Anderson spoke on the

Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Funds. He explained that these funds are used for

specifics, not to balance the budget. As he has stated before, even if the County

balances the FY2026 Budget, they will have the same conversations next year for

FY2027. He stated that Committee Vice-Chairman Lenert and Committee Ex-Officio

Roth has made comments and suggestions since January 2025, such as implementing

an Attrition Program and Hiring Freeze, and suspending all non-essential

items/services. He explained that the County is in a crucial state and it needs a

balanced budget, which means pruning and working with every department/office to

lessen the budget.

Michelle Bettag, St. Charles, spoke on the County's Responsible Bidders' Ordinance

(RBO). (Madam Chairman Pierog arrived in-person 9:11 a.m.) She explained that

Chairman Pierog brought this ordinance to the County Board in 2023, where County

Board Member Kious championed the efforts of getting it passed. She noted that the

RBO means only unions can do the work in Kane County. She stated that the RBO is

filtered and is specific so that only certain companies and unions can perform the work

in Kane County. Bettag explained that in 2024, she had a conversation with ITD/BLD

Exec. Dir. Fahnestock about projects' increase costs to Kane County citizens. While

looking over Pierog's campaign, Bettag noticed that she had 79 donations from unions

outside of the County. Bettag stated that Kane County citizens are hurting, especially

with the increased tax bills since 2018. As she has spoken to Kane County residents,

many have expressed their anger with their taxes. She explained that since she has

been coming to Board meetings, she had no idea there was a king maker in Kane

County. She stated that the king maker is the democratic party and Pierog is the

puppet. Bettag stated that as Pierog is accepting thousands of dollars from these

unions, she is taking money out of Kane County to repay them. She addressed the

local businesses that have been turned down for County bids. She asked Board

democrats to not go along with the RBO any longer and to take it off the citizens'

backs.

Treasurer's Report (C. Lauzen)

Monthly Report

Treasurer Lauzen stated the monthly report was on file. He responded to the

public's concern. He stated that he will respond accordingly to the resident's

requests. Additionally, he invited this resident to his office at their convenience

to address any concerns or questions they may have. Referencing page 22 of

the Finance Committee's meeting agenda, Lauzen explained the County Board's

budgeting process. He stated that the County departments/offices were

instructed to provide a proposed budget. He stated that he submitted a

proposed budget that is needed to effectively run the Treasurer's Office. Step

two of the process is for the County Board to respond to the budget proposals

from offices/departments. Lauzen stated that he will follow the direction of the

County Board. He spoke on the importance of interest income to the County's

finances. He stated that the interest income is approximately $63M, which is half

of a whole year's General Fund balance. He recalled that Finance

Vice-Chairman Lenert suggested month's ago to utilize the interest income to

balance the County's General Fund. This would provide an opportunity to relieve

the amount the financial restraint on certain proposed budgets. Lauzen has

noticed that when political critics complain about the amount of money being

spent in the Treasurer's Office, they tend to ignore the amount of revenue that is

brought in through the office. He stated that last year, the Treasurer's Office

collected $1M more revenue than expenses. He explained that the Treasurer's

Office has certain allocations for expenses, but the revenues exceed them.

Auditor's Report (P. Wegman)

Monthly Report

Auditor Wegman stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report was

made.

Approving August 2025 Claims Paid

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Anita Lewis

MOVER:

Jarett Sanchez

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Authorizing Transfer of Appropriation and Budget Adjustment in the General

Fund for Contractual Services in the County Auditor’s Office

Committee Member Sanchez asked the Auditor to describe the contractual

services and what the County can expect from them. Auditor Wegman explained

that at the last Committee meeting, Committee Member Surges recommended

that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) be implemented into the office. After

speaking to constituents and investigating some of the processes that may be

available, the Auditor's Office feels that there is an opportunity to utilize AI.

Wegman stated that Surges also suggested that this expense be taken from the

Capital Fund. However, she was able to reevaluate the Auditor's Office's budget

and will be able to cover the expense.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jarett Sanchez

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Finance Director's Report (K. Hopkinson)

Monthly Finance Reports

Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson stated the monthly financial reports were on file. She

presented the General Fund - General Account FY2025 to Date - Key Indicators.

She stated that the County recently received the second installment of property

tax revenue. She noted that the County is still forecasted to use $27M in fund

balance for FY2025. She presented the Tax Revenue - Key Indicators. She

stated that the Sales Tax revenue increased from last year. She spoke on the

State law change regarding the Local Use Tax. Due to this, this revenue source

has significantly decreased. Hopkinson stated that in FY2025 the County

received $1.5M in revenue from the Local Use Tax. To date, the County has

only received $697K. Hopkinson stated that the State Income Tax revenue

tends to fluctuate frequently. Currently, the revenue amount is higher than

expected, but lower compared to last year. Hopkinson spoke on the Personal

Property Replacement Tax (PPRT). She stated that this revenue source

fluctuates from month to month. She explained that the revenue amount is

below what was received last year. Lastly, she stated that the State/County

Motor Fuel Tax revenues are slightly higher than expected and higher than last

year. Hopkinson addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

Discussion ensued.

New Business

Authorizing the County to Contract with Humana Inc. to Provide the 2026

Healthcare Continuation Coverage for Medicare Eligible Retired and Disabled

Employees and Surviving Spouses

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Jarett Sanchez

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Authorizing the Provision of Funds to the City of Batavia for the Implementation

of an Energy Efficiency Program

Committee Member Lewis understood that the City of Batavia was running these

energy efficiency programs from the revenue collected from grocery bag fees.

She questioned why the County would be contributing to the programs. Environ.

Mgmt. Sustainability Mgr. Hinshaw explained that the City of Batavia are

pioneers in these types of programs. She confirmed that the City plans to use

the grocery bag fee revenue for these. Additionally, the funds contributed by the

County will come from the Electric Aggregation Fund 421. Hinshaw explained

that the County is helping the City of Batavia for the first year. She stated that

the purpose of the Electric Aggregation Fund is to help residents with energy

efficiency and reduction. Hinshaw addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jarett Sanchez

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Anita Lewis

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Approving FY2026 Operations and Maintenance Agreement with USGS for the

Stream and Rainfall Gages

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jarett Sanchez

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Rock Island County for

Juvenile Detention Services

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jarett Sanchez

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Ogle County for Juvenile

Detention Services

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Anita Lewis

MOVER:

Jarett Sanchez

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Lee County for Juvenile

Detention Services

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jarett Sanchez

MOVER:

Anita Lewis

SECONDER:

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Approving County Board Personal Expense Voucher Reimbursement Request

Committee Member Sanchez inquired on the amount used for Personal

Expense Vouchers this year. Madam Chairman Pierog stated that the County

Board is within budget. Sanchez requested the total expense amount for the

year be placed on these resolutions. The Committee requested the total amount

used to be presented during this meeting.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Leslie Juby

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Anita Lewis

Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern

Tepe

AYE:

Dale Berman, and Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Authorizing Termination of Contract with Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC for

Strategic Planning Services

Committee Member Juby stated that she will be in support of terminating this

contract. However, she is not against strategic plans and understands their

value. She believes that the County is not in the proper financial state to cover

this expense at this time. She spoke on the proposal of having this expense

covered by the Riverboat Fund, instead of these funds being utilized for external

projects.

Committee Member Sanchez stated that an organization the size of this County

should have a Strategic Plan. He feels that it is a necessity. He explained that

any large corporation should be investing in strategic planning. He stated that a

Strategic Plan is an entity that will exist far longer than any member of the Board

and it will continue to guide the County's leading principles and guiding

documents that allow the County to move forward in a more thoughtful manner.

He is in favor of continuing the work on the Strategic Plan.

Committee Member Lewis stated that she is not against the Strategic Plan.

However, she does not like that the Strategic Plan is being funded by the

Riverboat fund.

Committee Vice-Chair Lenert stated that the Strategic Plan is a good idea.

However, the County is witnessing a financial restraint that cannot support it at

this time. He explained that the County Board has asked all departments/offices

to make budget cuts, and they should do the same. He stated that he is against

this plan and will vote to terminate the contract.

Further discussion ensued. (Committee Chairman Berman arrived remotely at

9:44 a.m.)

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Leslie Juby

TO:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

Anita Lewis

Bill Lenert, and Leslie Juby

AYE:

Dale Berman, Anita Lewis, Jarett Sanchez, and Vern Tepe

Clifford Surges

NAY:

ABSENT:

Motion failed by a 2-4 vote. This resolution will not move forward to the Executive

Committee meeting.

Emergency Appropriation for Transfer of Funds from JJC/AJC Refunding Debt

Service Fund #623 to the General Fund – General Account #001

Committee Member Sanchez requested a description of the cause for this

emergency appropriation. Vice-Chairman Lenert explained this was debt service

money that was placed into Fund 623. He added that the debt has been paid.

Therefore, the money is being moved back into the County's General Fund.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jarett Sanchez

MOVER:

Leslie Juby

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett

Sanchez, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Approving an Amendment to the Agreement with Workday Adaptive Planning of

Pleasanton, California for Access to and Use of Data Analytics and

Budget/Forecasting Software

Committee Member Sanchez stated that this software will help save time and

money, while improving accuracy in budgeting.

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Jarett Sanchez

MOVER:

Anita Lewis

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett

Sanchez, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Authorization to Enter Into a Contract Extension for Audit Services

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Anita Lewis

MOVER:

Jarett Sanchez

SECONDER:

Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett

Sanchez, and Vern Tepe

AYE:

Clifford Surges

ABSENT:

Old Business

10.

Vice-Chairman Lenert spoke on the FY2026 Budget process. He explained that

Committee Member Tepe and himself have contacted various County department

heads and elected officials. He stated that all department heads have complied with

the Committee's request for reduction. With respect to the elected officials, the Board

has approved the amounts being allocated for FY2026. However, three elected officials

have discussed possible revisions. At this point, it has been decided that the approved

expense allocations will be implemented. Lenert stated that all FY2026 Budget

revisions must be submitted within the next week. He explained that through

discussions with the State's Attorney and the Treasurer, it is believed that a balanced

budget could be presented without using reserves by implementing the use of interest

earned. The hope is that the descrepencies between the revenues and expenses,

which is approximately $3.5M, can be made up by the interest earned through the

Treasurer's Office. Much discussion ensued.