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 Pierog (County Chair)  
Wednesday, August 23, 2023  
9:00 AM  
County Board Room  
1.  
2.  
Call To Order  
Chairman Berman called the meeting to order at 9:06 AM.  
Roll Call  
Board Member Dale Berman  
Board Member Bill Lenert  
Board Member Leslie Juby  
Board Member Anita Lewis  
Board Member Jarett Sanchez  
Board Member Vern Tepe  
PRESENT  
Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog  
Board Member Clifford Surges  
REMOTE  
Also present: Co. Bd. members Bates*, Gumz*, Kenyon; Kious*, Roth, Strathmann*;  
Treasurer Lauzen; Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson & staff Kietzman; Auditor Wegman; BLD  
Dir. Thompson; ASA Frank, Brady*, Ford, Shepro*; PIO Mann; ITD/BLD Exec. Dir.  
Fahnestock & staff Lasky, Kash; KCAC Admin. Youngsteadt*; KCHD staff Snowden*;  
and members of the press and public.  
3.  
4.  
Remote Attendance Requests  
Chairman Berman announced the remote attendance requests for today's meeting. He  
asked the Committee if there were any objections to Committee Member Surges to  
attend today's meeting remotely. There were no objections.  
Approval of Minutes: July 26, 2023  
RESULT:  
APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
Bill Lenert  
MOVER:  
Anita Lewis  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Clifford Surges, and Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
5.  
Public Comment (Agenda Items)  
None.  
6.  
Treasurer's Report (C. Lauzen)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Treasurer Lauzen stated the monthly report was on file. He spoke on the  
Projected vs. "Promised" vs. Actual Performance Interest Earned chart. The  
projected amount for this year in interest earned was $1.788M. When taking  
office, Lauzen promised approximately $3.788M in interest earned. In June  
2023, the Treasurer's Office was able to bring the County $2M interest earned.  
Lauzen spoke on the interest earned on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)  
funding. Referencing a financial chart, he reviewed the multiple disbursements  
of the ARPA funds. (Committee Member Surges arrived online at 9:10 a.m.). He  
explained the difficulties of calculating an interest rate. Numerous banks are less  
transparent, which makes it difficult to calculate an exact rate for investors.  
Lauzen mentioned that a monthly estimate for interest earned is the only way for  
the County to predict the amount. The calculation of approximately $1.5M in  
interest on the ARPA funds was earned from May 19, 2021 to April 30, 2023.  
Lauzen stated that the Juror Paid Debit Card Program was launched on Monday  
morning. He commended his staff for their work on the program. Lauzen  
addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued. A  
series of written questions were given to Treasurer Lauzen to address by  
September 15, 2023. (Madam Chairman Pierog arrived in-person at 9:20 a.m.)  
7.  
Finance Director's Report (K. Hopkinson)  
Monthly Finance Reports  
A.  
Fin. Exec. Dir. Hopkinson stated the monthly financial reports were on file.  
Besides working on the budget process, Finance staff has been wrapping up the  
2023 audit. The audit should have been completed by May 2023, but Kane  
County received an extension until October 1, 2023. Regarding the Budget  
Process, an email was sent to all standing Committee Chairmen requesting that  
elected officials and department heads be able to present their individual  
budgets in the month of September. Hopkinson reviewed the key components  
that each office/department would need to include within their budget. The goal  
is to have all budget presentations submitted to the Executive Committee on  
October 4, 2023.  
Hopkinson provided a presentation on the Kane County 2024 Financial  
Forecast. She reviewed the key items to consider, such as financial position and  
stability, external forces, oversight, as well as performance and transparency.  
She explained the contents of each key item. Kane County has set a goal within  
their policies to have a minimum of 25% cash reserves in the General Fund. The  
County has continued to meet this goal yearly. Hopkinson shared the County's  
continuous improvement/best practices flow chart. She reviewed the General  
Fund - General Account - Sources of Revenue and Expenses graph. She noted  
that the numbers for 2023 and 2024 were estimates at this time, due to union  
contract negotiations. The General Fund is composed of nine separate  
accounts. She shared the numerous revenue sources received yearly by the  
County in relation to the yearly expenses, such as property taxes, grants, and  
charges for services. A couple key points to consider is in 2023 the County  
budgeted in the General Fund $123M in expenses and only $106M in new  
revenues. The County filled the gap by using approximately $17M of the existing  
fund balance. Hopkinson predicted that total expenses for 2024 would be  
between $105M-$110M and the total revenue would be $106M. Therefore, there  
will not be a need to use the County's reserves. Hopkinson shared the General  
Fund Composition. She explained the restrictions and purpose of each account.  
She shared the Fund Balance Composition for the General Fund. She reviewed  
the General Fund - Taxes graph. To date, the sales tax is the highest source of  
revenue for the County. Hopkinson shared the General Fund's Salaries and  
Wages from numerous departments and Collective Bargaining Units' Contracts.  
Currently, there are six Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA)'s that have  
expired and are in negotiations. Hopkinson reviewed the Capital Funding  
Options, such as tax revenues, grants, and financing.  
Hopkinson explained that the County's Executive Committee is responsible for  
increasing the tax extension/levy. At the next Executive Committee meeting on  
September 6, 2023, a resolution will be presented directing the use of the  
Consumer Price Index (CPI) and/or the Property Tax Extension Law Limit  
(PTELL) increase within the County's budget as laid out in the County's 2024  
Budget Policy. Hopkinson requested that all County Board members review this  
resolution before the next Executive Committee meeting. With the current  
budget policy in place, a vote for utilizing the CPI/PTELL will occur every May,  
before the budget process. This will help determine the final resolution for the  
yearly budget. Hopkinson addressed questions and comments from the  
Committee. Much discussion ensued.  
8.  
Auditor's Report (P. Wegman)  
Monthly Report  
A.  
Auditor Wegman stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report was  
made.  
Approving July 2023 Claims Paid  
B.  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Jarett Sanchez  
MOVER:  
Vern Tepe  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Corinne M. Pierog  
ABSENT:  
New Business  
9.  
Authorizing a Budget Adjustment for Desktop Support Analyst II and Systems  
Administrator Lead for the Information Technologies Department - Public Safety  
A.  
Sales Tax  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Bill Lenert  
TO:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
Anita Lewis  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Authorizing the Purchase of Additional Laserfiche Licenses and a Budget  
Adjustment from the Riverboat Fund 390  
B.  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Vern Tepe  
MOVER:  
Jarett Sanchez  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Authorizing the Extension for the Office Supply Contract  
KC Executive Committee  
C.  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Bill Lenert  
MOVER:  
Anita Lewis  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Authorizing Renewal of Contract for Toner Cartridges  
D.  
Committee Member Tepe motioned to accept an amendment to this resolution.  
In the last paragraph, Committee Chairman Berman explained that the wording  
"The Office Pal" should be omitted. The resolution should be corrected to  
include just "The Tree House, Inc.", Sanchez seconded. Motion carried  
unanimously by roll call vote.  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Vern Tepe  
MOVER:  
Jarett Sanchez  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Authorizing a Contract for Kane County Concrete Services  
KC Executive Committee  
E.  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Bill Lenert  
MOVER:  
Vern Tepe  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Whiteside County for Juvenile  
Detention Services  
F.  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Bill Lenert  
MOVER:  
Vern Tepe  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Authorizing the Replacement of the Chillers at the Judicial Center  
G.  
ITD/BLD Exec. Dir. Fahnestock handed out a substitute resolution. After working  
with the Finance and Purchasing Departments, it was recommended that the  
language for Omnia Partners Agreement with Johnson Controls for the  
equipment be added. The County will utilize a joint purchasing agreement that  
Omnia advertises. This agreement will be good through 2024. This would be in  
cooperation with FE Moran, the original listed vendor to complete the work. FE  
Moran will be the County's contractor for heating/air conditioning ventilation  
services. The County will use a joint purchasing agreement through Omnia with  
Johnson Controls to order the chillers. This agreement is not to exceed $2M.  
Fahnestock explained the purpose of replacing the chillers and the advantages.  
Committee Vice-Chair amended his motion to include the substitute agreement,  
Tepe seconded. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Bill Lenert  
MOVER:  
Vern Tepe  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Authorizing the Expenditure of Funds for Technology Products and Services  
KC Executive Committee  
H.  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Vern Tepe  
MOVER:  
Jarett Sanchez  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Ratifying an Emergency Purchase Affidavit to Purchase a 2023 Ford Escape  
Active for Building Management  
I.  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Jarett Sanchez  
TO:  
MOVER:  
SECONDER:  
Vern Tepe  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Kane County Rabies Registration Fees  
J.  
Committee Member Surges asked if these rates were for unincorporated areas  
of the County or is it strictly for the municipalities. County Board Vice-Chair Tepe  
stated the rates are for the entire County. Madam Chairman Pierog inquired  
about a senior discount.  
KC Executive Committee  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Vern Tepe  
MOVER:  
Jarett Sanchez  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
Approving County Board Personal Expense Voucher Reimbursement Request  
KC Executive Committee  
K.  
RESULT:  
TO:  
MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE  
KC Executive Committee  
Jarett Sanchez  
MOVER:  
Vern Tepe  
SECONDER:  
Dale Berman, Bill Lenert, Leslie Juby, Anita Lewis, Jarett  
Sanchez, Clifford Surges, and Vern Tepe  
AYE:  
10.  
11.  
Old Business  
None.  
Reports Placed On File  
RESULT:  
MOVER:  
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT  
Vern Tepe  
12.  
13.  
14.  
Committee Chairman's Comments  
None.  
Executive Session (if needed)  
None.  
Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)  
Brad Raschke, 323 Willowbrook Way, Geneva, commented on the Facilities Master  
Plan. He recounted a story told by the 19th century French economist, Frederic Bastiat.  
Applying the tale to the County's current situation of constructing a future $100M  
administrative building, he is concerned about the hidden costs to the County tax  
payers. Every dollar taken from the pockets of citizens is a dollar they cannot use as  
they deem fit. These County building projects do not align with the citizens' everyday  
needs. He requested that the County Board reevaluate this $100M project and uphold  
the principals of individual liberty and freedom. In conclusion, Raschke asked the  
Committee to consider a tax rebate or tax holiday to help fund the project.  
Kane County resident, Kim Sieber, addressed her opposition to the County's Facilities  
Master Plan. She requested the Committee be fiscally responsible like the County's  
citizens have to be everyday. She spoke on expense increases, such as Homeowners'  
insurance. When each Committee Member votes, keep in mind the money that needs  
to be collected from tax payers to fund large projects. The County must spend funding  
in other needed areas, not on a new building. Sieber explained that each citizen is  
needing to cut back on their own expenses and the County should do the same. She  
asked the Committee where the County could cut back in order to help fund the  
facilities plan. She requested that the Committee consider the taxpayer's dollar and  
lessen property taxes. The County should be fiscally responsible with their funding as  
it's citizens have to do in order to live.  
Kane County resident, Michelle Bettas, spoke on the County's Facilities Master Plan.  
She explained that she has spoken to numerous County residents about the Facilities  
Master Plan. Most of them are nervous about paying the second installment of their  
property tax. She stated that everything has increased in price, such as gas prices and  
food. People do not have the means to cover this $100M project. She requested that  
the Committee look into the everyday struggles of their constituents and seek  
commercial properties, if space is needed.  
Frank Esposito, 64 White Oak Circle, St. Charles, concurred with what has been said.  
He questioned the need for a $100M building. He spoke on the new voting equipment  
that was recently approved. He would like to understand how the resolution process is  
done in order for constituents to voice their opinions in a timely fashion. Committee  
Chair Berman stated that he should start with his County Board Member that  
represents his district.  
Jonathan Gripe, 38W355 Ferson Woods Drive, St. Charles, reflected on the $100M for  
constructing new County buildings. He was in shock with the allotted price tag. He  
stated that the administrative building would be the tip of the cash iceberg. Once the  
building is built, the County will have to pay additional salaries to staff and purchase  
supplies. He inquired about the need for a new administrative building. If the County  
has $100M on hand, then they should be helping the County's citizens instead, such as  
developing a free health clinic. He would like the Committee to seek the public's  
opinion on how $100M should be utilized.  
Kane County resident, Brian Anderson, spoke on the public comment process. He  
stated that he has personally spoke with Board Member Bill Lenert, who represents  
Sugar Grove. While Committee Chairman Berman was half right in requesting that  
constituents reach out to their County Board representative, the County Board  
represents the people as a whole.  
15.  
Adjournment  
RESULT:  
APPROVED BY VOICE VOTE  
Vern Tepe  
MOVER:  
Jarett Sanchez  
SECONDER:  
This meeting was adjourned at 10:31 AM.  
Savannah Valdez  
Recording Secretary