Government Center

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. A

Geneva, IL 60134

Kane County

KC Judicial/Public Safety

Committee

Meeting Minutes

MOLINA, Lenert, Gripe, Gumz, Linder, Tepe, Williams, ex-officios Roth (County Vice Chair)

and Pierog (County Chair)

Thursday, August 14, 2025

9:00 AM

County Board Room

Call To Order

Chairman Molina called the meeting to order at 9:01 AM.

Roll Call

Board Member Myrna Molina

Board Member Bill Lenert

PRESENT

Board Member Jon Gripe

Board Member Michelle Gumz

Board Member Michael Linder

Board Member Vern Tepe

Board Member Rick Williams

Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair Bill Roth

Ex-Officio County Board Chair Corinne M. Pierog

Also present: Co. Bd. Members Allan*, Berman*, Juby*, Kious*, Lewis*; Merit Comm.

Chairman Burgert; KaneComm Dir. Guthrie; OEM Dir. Buziecki; Sheriff Hain & staff

Johnson, Catich, Schwab, Dominguez; Coroner Silva; Chief Judge Villa & staff O'Brien,

Mathis; State's Attorney Mosser & staff Hunt, Frank; Public Def. Conant; Court Srvs.

Exec. Dir. Aust; Circuit Clk. Barreiro & staff Johnson; Treasurer Lauzen; ITD CIO

Lasky* & staff Peters; and members of the press and public.

Remote Attendance Requests

There were no remote attendance requests for today's meeting.

(Madam Chairman Pierog arrived remotely at 9:02 a.m.)

Approval of Minutes: July 10, 2025

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

Public Comment

None.

Monthly Financial Reports

Monthly Finance Reports

Chairman Molina stated the monthly financial reports were on file. No additional

report was made.

Merit Commission

Merit Commission's FY2026 Budget Presentation (not attached)

Merit Commission Chairman Burgert presented the FY2026 Budget. He mentioned that

the Merit Commission's FY2026 Budget does not reflect the FY2024 Actual Budget,

due to salaries, mileage, and testing. (Committee Member Gumz arrived in-person at

9:04 a.m.). He stated that he was informed by the Chief that testing for patrol will need

to be done, due to the list being exhausted. He explained that the FY2024 Actual

Budget was $85,734. He stated that he was able to cut approximately $9K from that

total. He noted that $7K was cut from the Commission's per diem, and $2K was cut

from mileage expenses, which is about a 10% cut from the overall budget. Burgert

stated that the FY2026 Budget is approximately $2,700 more than FY2024. The

FY2026 Budget is approximately $88K.

KaneComm (M. Guthrie)

Monthly Report

KaneComm Guthrie stated the monthly report was on file. She explained that

KaneComm has continued with the hiring process. She explained that

candidates have completed the skill testing, interviews, and background

screening. She noted that candidates will move forward to the psychological and

physical exams. She hopes to have about three telecommunicators hired in the

next couple weeks. Guthrie spoke on the proclamation that was presented to

Kane County resident, Ace Holder, at the County Board meeting. She described

the 9-1-1 call that was made by Holder. She mentioned that Holder has been

invited to visit KaneComm.

KaneComm’s FY2026 Budget Presentation

KaneComm Dir. Guthrie presented the FY2026 Budget. She reviewed the

numerous agencies that KaneComm serves, such as the Kane County Sheriff's

Office, Big Rock Fire Department, and Kane County Office of Emergency

Management. She shared a graph depicting KaneComm's activity and statistics

year-to-date from January 2025 to June 2025. She explained that this year's

volume for activity has increased, due to police activity. She noted that phone

calls have remained consistent, but the calls for service have increased

substantially. She reviewed KaneComm's organizational chart. She explained

that there were no changes for FY2026. However, in FY2025, the part-time

LEADS and QA/QI Coordinator position was added. Guthrie spoke on the

KaneComm's Special Revenue Fund - Fund 269 revenues. The majority of the

revenue comes from subscriber fees, which equates to $1,749,227. The

anticipated revenue total for FY2026 is $3,230,722. Recently, Guthrie spoke on

the increase to the 9-1-1 Surcharge Revenue. She explained that there is a

House Bill and Senate Bill in legislation to move the increase in 9-1-1 Surcharge

forward. The increase would be one dollar more per every phone bill registered

to the County. Guthrie spoke on the importance of these Bills being passed to

KaneComm. The revenue is needed to stay up-to-date with technology and

other matters. If this Surcharge increase fails, KaneComm will have to turn to

their subscribing agencies to make up the revenue. Guthrie explained that the

increased Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) Reimbursement

includes expenses that are eligible for reimbursement, such as phone line costs,

system maintenance, training, conferences, certifications, and operating

supplies. She stated that the Subscriber Agreement between KaneComm and

subscribing police and fire agencies has expired. She noted that KaneComm's

revenue has increased approximately 5% from FY2025. She reviewed

KaneComm's expenditures. She noted that personnel makes up approximately

81% of KaneComm's expense budget. KaneComm's anticipated expenditure

total is $3,230,071. Guthrie reviewed KaneComm's personnel budget. In

FY2025, the personnel budget was $2,618,053. The FY2026 personnel budget

has decreased to $2,617,053. Guthrie stated that KaneComm's collective

bargaining agreement (CBA) was ratified in 2023, which included step increases

and 3% increases. She noted that the FY2026 Budget does not include any

additional positions and does include the allowed vacancies. Overall,

KaneComm's FY2026 Budget increased to $3,320,722 for FY2026 from

$3,109,678 in FY2025, which is a 3.89% change. The changes to FY2026

Budget included an additional line item for ETSB reimbursement in revenues.

Additionally, the ETSB expenses were submitted for reimbursement. Guthrie

shared a table depicting the FY2026 KaneComm's Proposed Budget, and

changes made from the FY2025 Amended Budget. She noted that this table

shows each line item and an explanation on whether an increase or decrease

occurred. She reviewed a graph that depicted the budget comparison from

FY2022 to FY2026. Guthrie addressed questions and comments from the

Committee. Discussion ensued.

Emergency Management (S. Buziecki)

Monthly Report

OEM Dir. Buziecki stated that monthly report was on file. He stated that the

delivery of the New Command Vehicle will occur later this month. Additionally,

he mentioned the proclamation that was included on today's agenda for National

Preparedness Month.

Kane County Proclaims September 2025 as National Preparedness Month

KC Executive Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Executive Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Vern Tepe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Office of Emergency Management's FY2026 Budget Presentation (not attached)

OEM Dir. Buziecki presented the FY2026 Budget. He reviewed the Office of

Emergency Management's (OEM) profile. He shared information on the volunteer

program. He reviewed OEM's mission and mandates. He explained that it is mandated

by Illinois State law that Kane County has an Emergency Management Program to be

responsible for the unincorporated areas, as well as, those municipalities that do not

have an Emergency Management team. He stated that other than Aurora and St.

Charles, OEM provides support for the rest of the County. He explained that OEM is

mandated by law to maintain programs and capabilities to mitigate, prepare for,

respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. Buziecki stated that OEM is

currently working on updating the Emergency Operations Plan, which is due in March

2026. He shared the Kane County Code, Chapter 8, Article II, which depicts the

responsibilities of OEM for Kane County. He reviewed OEM's organizational chart. He

spoke on the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Volunteer Fund 247. He stated

that this is funded by donations, typically from municipalities who use OEM's volunteer

services, and used to support the volunteer program, such as purchasing equipment,

uniforms, et cetera, and volunteer appreciation activities and events. The fund balance

is $55,607. Buziecki shared a chart that depicted the EMA Volunteer Fund line items.

Another Special Fund that is overseen by OEM is Local Emergency Planning Fund

248, which is funded by private donations, with exception of staff time, to support the

hazardous materials preparedness program. The fund balance is $42,012. Buziecki

noted that the donations are divided among three hazmat response teams and the

Kane County Sheriff's Office's Bomb Squad. He mentioned that this fund has been built

up in order to complete a Commodity Flow Study, which would look at what materials

and chemicals are traveling through the County in order to be better prepared for

emergencies. Buziecki reviewed the General Fund goals, such as completing the 2026

Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Annual Report, provide technical and planning

assistance to municipalities upon request, continue to provide public education,

increase the number of volunteer instructors to reach more people, and continuing to

develop the new Kane County Recovery Group "Disaster Ready Kane" along with

government, business, and non-profit organizations. He shared OEM's FY2026

General Fund Revenue. The FY2024 Actual Budget revenue was $153,784. In FY2026

Budget, the expected revenue is $72,250. Buziecki stated that in FY2024, OEM

received federal grant money to conduct a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, which is why

FY2024 shows an increased revenue compared to other years. He spoke on

personnel. He stated there is a slight difference in the number of working days in

FY2026. He spoke on Contractual Services, Commodities, and Capital. He stated that

all of these items have been reduced. He provided the overall summary of the County's

General Fund pertaining to OEM. He stated that the FY2025 Budget was $570,844,

and the FY2026 Budget is $495,333, which is a 13.2% decrease. He explained that

there was a reduction in Capital costs due to the decreased cost of the mass

notification system. Buziecki addressed questions and comments from the Committee.

10.

Sheriff/Adult Corrections (R. Hain)

Monthly Report

Sheriff Hain stated the monthly report was file. No additional report was made

(Madam Chairman Pierog arrived in-person at 9:27 a.m.)

Sheriff’s FY2026 Budget Presentation

Sheriff Hain commended Kane County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) Chief Financial

Officer (CFO) Alicia Dominguez for her work on the FY2026 Budget.

Sheriff Hain presented the FY2026 Budget. He stated the Sheriff's Office will

enter into FY2026 with six active Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), four

of which are set to expire in FY2026. He explained that there was two directions

given to departments/offices by the Finance Committee: reduce their overall

budget by 13% or match FY2024 Actual Budget. He stated that the KCSO

accomplished both. In FY2024, the total budget was $7,231,818.95. For

FY2026, the total budget is being submitted for $6,267,041, which is a 13%

decrease from FY2024. Hain reviewed the KCSO's yearly expenses. He

explained that in FY2024 the salaries and wages total was $38.2M. In FY2026,

salaries and wages total $41.5M, due to the CBAs, which caused significant cuts

to other expenses. Hain explained that the Sheriff's Office is exploring the option

of lay-offs for non-union personnel, which would occur at the end of the year. He

compared the KCSO's revenues from FY2023 to FY2026. He explained that in

FY2023, the KCSO received a lump sum of grant funding, that was supposed to

be received in FY2022. Also, the LIV Golf Tournament was hosted in Kane

County, which generated additional revenue. Hain stated that the Sheriff's Office

is maintaining grant funding and is trying to seek out additional revenue sources.

He explained that this presentation does not reflect the Asset Forfeiture Income.

The Sheriff's Office generates funds from Local Asset Forfeitures, drug

investigations, and federal partnerships. The goal of this additional revenue is to

replace the KCSO's operational expenses that come from the County's General

Fund. However, this is not something the office can budget on. Hain addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Much discussion ensued.

11.

Coroner (M. Silva)

Monthly Report

Coroner Silva stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report was

made.

Coroner's FY2026 Budget Presentation (not attached)

Coroner Silva presented the FY2026 Budget. She stated that the Coroner's Office is

seeking a 23% increase to their FY2026 Budget to efficiently run the office. She shared

the Coroner's Office's organizational chart. She stated that there are five full-time

Deputy Coroners, of which one is on light duty. She explained that the average

caseload per Deputy Coroner in 2024 was 410 cases, which is over the national

average. Silva shared the Office's mission and goals. She listed the state mandates in

which all the Office's responsibilities related to the investigation of suspicious death and

for determining the manner of deaths occurring in Kane County are regulated. She

stated that the Coroner's Office is responsible for determining the manner of death

from the following categories: accident, suicide, homicide, natural, and undetermined.

Silva explained that since the Office is short-staffed with Deputy Coroners, Para

Deputy Coroners have been assisting Deputies, but are not allowed to have their own

caseload. She provided examples of the manner of death that must be investigated,

such as a sudden or violent death, death due to a sex crime, undetermined death,

death due to addiction to alcohol or drugs, and death where the decedent was not

attended by a licensed physician. Silva reviewed the three categories of cases: Return

to Medical (RTM), Sign-Out (SO), and Sign-Out Unnatural (SOU). She spoke on

toxicology. She stated that each toxicology report costs $250 to $600 per case. In

FY2024, the Coroner's Office spent $134,896. Year-to-date, the Office has expended

$111K. Silva shared a five-year comparison of toxicology costs stemming back to 2021.

She stated that the Office has been budgeting less for toxicology reports, but have

been spending way more. She explained that toxicology is one of the major

components of the Office's expenditures. Silva spoke on autopsies. She explained that

each autopsy can costs $1,500 to $1,750 per examination. In FY2024, the total

autopsy expenditure was $450,650. Year-to-date, the Office has expended $326K on

autopsies, which a total FY2025 projection of $522K. Silva shared a graph that

depicted a five-year comparison of the autopsies expenditure amounts. She spoke on

salaries and wages. She stated that the increase in expenditures from FY2025 to

FY2026 reflects a 3% increase for Deputy Coroners due to the collective bargaining

agreement (CBA). She reviewed overtime salaries. She noted that significant amount

of overtime is being spent due to the CBA allowing each Deputy ten hours of straight

time and four hours of premium overtime per pay period. Additionally, the Office has

been short one Deputy, in which others had to cover the caseload. SIlva shared the

Coroner's Office's challenges, such as increasing costs for autopsies and toxicology,

reducing the length of time to close cases, staff turnover due to low wages, and quality

of life issues due to employee shortage and long work hours. She shared several

reviews from County residents. Silva stated that the last three challenges are related to

the fact that the Office is short-staffed. She explained that the Office requires eight

Deputy Coroners to meet minimum staffing requirements. However, the Kane County

Coroner's Office has five Deputy Coroners, with one on limited duty. Each year, the

Coroner's Office loses one Deputy Coroner due to low salaries and large caseload.

Silva addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Much discussion

ensued.

12.

Judiciary & Courts (Villa/O'Brien)

Chief Judge Villa spoke on the involvement of federal law enforcement at the Kane

County courthouses over the past month. He explained that the U.S. Immigration and

Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been operating in the County's courtrooms for

numerous years. He stated there is nothing new about federal law enforcement

arresting those with federal warrants within the courtrooms. However, the way these

are conducted has changed. Villa explained that previous to the Trust Act, federal law

enforcement would identify themselves to the Sheriff's Office and courts stating who

they had a warrant for. These individuals would be escorted through the Kane County's

jail system and transported. Now, the Trust Act prevents local law enforcement from

interacting and assisting with federal law enforcement. Villa explained that now the

federal law enforcement agents come to Kane County's public spaces to locate these

individuals who have federal warrants. He commended the Kane County Sheriff's

Office and Court Services for their seamless work on dealing with these types of

situations. He stated that Kane County has had no incidences. He recalled seeing ICE

Agents in the Kane County Sheriff's Office's parking lot. He explained to the agents that

Kane County entered a General Order in May 2025 and asked them to abide by it, and

to his satisfaction, they have. He stated that they have tried to be as non disruptive as

possible.

Judiciary & Courts’ FY2026 Budget Presentation

Chief Judge Villa presented the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Judiciary and Courts

FY2026 Budget. He compared the FY2024 actual expenses versus the FY2026

submitted expenses. He stated that he could not reconcile the request of the

Kane County Finance Committee of planning the budget off of the FY2024

Actual. In FY2024, the Judiciary and Courts returned 14.15% to the County's

General Fund, which equated to $602,349. The average yearly return to the

General Fund is 9.5%. Villa stated that unlike household budgets where

expenses are controlled, the Judiciary and Courts' expenses are dependant

upon the projections of what society will bring. Additionally, the Judiciary and

Courts have expend millions of dollars due to state mandated obligations. Due

to all these, Judiciary and Courts budget for what is anticipated. Villa stated that

in FY2024, Judiciary and Courts had state reimbursements of $645,925.68 for

interpreter services. He noted that the County receives a 100% reimbursement

for interpreter services. However, the state does not reimburse for exotic

language interpreters, which needs to be covered by the Judiciary and Courts'

budget. Villa explained that the FY2026 Submitted Budget of $5,194,829 is a

$1.5M difference from the FY2024 Actual Budget. However, the majority of this

increase is due to the annual return of money back to the County's General

Fund and the reimbursement amount for interpreter services. Villa explained that

the main difference in the FY2026 Submitted Budget is the requested $900K for

interpreter services. He noted that year-to-date the Courts have expended

$725K for interpreter services, and it is expected to continue to rise each year.

Villa shared the five-year comparison of the actual expense amounts from

FY2024 to FY2025. He stated that each year, there is an approximate $100K

difference. He spoke on the unpredictability of the services that will need to be

provided each year to the public. He explained that if the amount returned is

accounted for plus the reimbursement amounts, it is found to be difficult to cut

30% from the Judiciary and Courts budget. He stated that the FY2026

Submitted Budget is as lean as it can be. He spoke on the state mandated

expenses that expends a large portion of the budget. He reviewed the possible

budget cuts of $50K that could be done, such as not providing food for jurors.

He stated that as the County continues to grow, the services provided by the

Judiciary and Courts will increase, as well. If budget cuts need to be done,

services will need to be removed. Villa and Court Admin. O'Brien addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

13.

State's Attorney (J. Mosser)

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Illinois,

Department of Human Services - Juvenile Justice Council Grant

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Vern Tepe

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Jon Gripe, Michelle Gumz, Michael

Linder, Vern Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

State’s Attorney’s FY2026 Budget Presentation

State's Attorney Mosser explained that the FY2026 Budget presentation will be

shared in two parts. She will discuss the procedural aspects of Judicial and

Public Safety and what duties and services are provided. She explained that the

Judicial and Public Safety entities are service providers and cannot make budget

cuts in the traditional way most other departments/offices could. Mosser handed

out the State's Attorney's Office's (SAO) 2024 Annual Budget Report. She

explained that this report details what occurred in FY2024. She requested that

the Committee pay attention to the amount of Domestic Violence cases that

have significantly increased. Just like the Chief Judge, Mosser explained that

she needs to budget for what is anticipated, which is out of her control and she

must be reactive in her budgeting process. She spoke on the budget

requirements of the County and the Judicial and Public Safety partners. She

explained that the County Board has to prepare an annual budget that accounts

for all sources of revenue and anticipated expenditures. Additionally, the Board

must determine the amount of County taxes to be levied for all purposes.

Mosser stated as County Officers or Department Heads, they must look at the

budget to see whether or not the County Board has taken in all consideration of

revenue sources, such as interest income and state income. Currently, she

explained that the County Board has not determined whether to increase

property taxes, either for growth or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to truly

determine the budget deficit. She reviewed Section 2-48 of the Kane County

Code that outlines the budget responsibilities of the County Board and its

committees. She shared the budget process that must be followed before the

County Board can suggest any budget changes. She stated that the County

Board has suggested budget cuts before any reports were made on the

proposed budgets. Due to this, the suggested cuts are not based on the needs

of the County, departments, and offices. Mosser explained that the County

Board has the general power of county fiscal, financial, and budgetary

management and authority to adopt the annual budget. Additionally, under

Illinois law, County Boards have a duty to fund County Officers and are required

to provide proper rooms and offices, and reasonable and necessary expenses

for the use of the various County officers. Mosser spoke on Internal Control. She

explained that the County Board's budget authority is limited to the appropriation

of an aggregate lump sum amount for necessary equipment, materials. and

services required by the County Officer and Officers must stay within the

appropriated amount for each classification. Mosser spoke on her personal

internal control and how she has been fiscally responsible over her four-year

tenure. She explained that during her four-year tenure, she has dealt with

unfunded mandates and record high attrition rates of staff based on inequitable

pay between counties. In summary, Mosser repeated that it is the County

Board's duty to appropriate sufficient funds for County Officers to operate their

offices and perform their statutory duties. She stated that failure to appropriate

sufficient funds to permit County Officers to carry out their statutory duties could

be viewed as an abuse of discretion. Lastly, Mosser stated that 100% of the

SAO's proposed budget is necessary to continue to serve the community,

otherwise services will need to be cut.

SAO CFO Hunt explained that everything prepared for today's presentation was

done in accordance with the direction of the Finance Committee. He stated that

one of the challenges in trying to come up with a plan is due to it being focused

on expenses and total disregard to additional revenue. He explained that the

SAO's overall expense budget for FY2026 is $20.6M. He noted that $12.3M is

located in the General Fund. The General Fund revenue budget totals $2.7M,

leaving $9.6M to be covered by other revenue sources. Additionally, the SAO

generates approximately $5.4M that completely covers the various Special

Revenue Funds. Hunt stated that the SAO's FY2026 Budget proposal is 60%

funded by the County and 40% funded by other sources. He shared a table

depicting the General Fund - 2024 Actual versus FY2026 Submitted Budget,

which was the County Board's original direction for the FY2026 Budget. He

explained some of the changes that needed to be made to the presented

numbers to adequately represent the appropriate amounts. Hunt stated that

even with the changes made, the SAO's updated submission would need a

$2,232,293 reduction from their budget, if only focused on expenses and not

equating for the additional new grant funding. He reviewed the external grant

monies that the SAO have and will receive that should be considered when

planning the budget. He stated that the SAO's budget within the General Fund is

primarily salaries. He explained that everyone assigned to the SAO's work chart

is assigned to a team.

Mosser added that her office provides services, prosecutes cases, and

represents the County. She explained that if the SAO needs to cut $2.2M from

the FY2026, the services that her office provides will need to be cut. These

services include the Child Exploitation Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Advocates,

Special Victims' Unit, Deferred Prosecution Unit, Abuse and Neglect Unit, and

Specialty Court Division. She stated that if the $2.2M needs to be cut, then she

would need to fire 26 employees whose salaries come from the General Fund,

which accounts for 19% of the entire staff. Additionally, this budget cut of $2.2M

would force Mosser to choose what type of cases to prosecute. She stated that

her job in this County is to prosecute crime, and she should not have to pick

which cases to actually prosecute.

Hunt provided summaries of the FY2026 SAO Proposed Budget by Category,

the FY2026 SAO Proposed Budget by Category Compared to FY2024 Actual

Budget, and the FY2026 SAO Proposed Budget by Category Compared to

FY2025 Adopted Budget.

Mosser emphasized that Judicial and Public Safety is just that, Public Safety.

She believes that everyone here in Kane County lives in a safe community

because of the initiatives that have been brought forth. She explained that her

office is aggressive in prosecutions of those that harm the County. She asked

that the Judicial and Public Safety Committee make the recommendation to the

Finance Committee that they do not have the sweeping cuts that will in turn

make the County unsafe.

Hunt spoke on the $1M Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity (DCEO) Grant that was received to establish the Human

Exploitation Unit. He explained that the SAO was also awarded two Justice

Assistance Grants (JAG). He noted that unlike most of the grants received, the

two JAG awards do not require the SAO to hire additional staff, which allows the

revenue to flow to the bottom line. He stated that, traditionally, County budgets

were compared to the previous year. However, for the FY2026 Budget, the

direction was to look at the FY2024 Actual Budget. Hunt shared a table

depicting the FY2026 Budget Summary versus the New Budget Metric. He

explained that the General Fund's FY2024 Actual Budget expenses were

$10,096,821. The FY2026 Submitted expenses are $12,329,114, which is a

$2,232,293 difference. Hunt spoke on the new budget metric and the removal

and expiration of grant revenues. He shared the SAO FY2026 Budget based

upon the new budget metric. He explained that the budgeted grant revenues

match exactly, charges for services and reimbursements have increased, and

fines continue to decrease. He stated that the SAO's budgeted expenses

increased to $1,274,773, which salaries account for 97%. He explained that the

main complaint of the FY2026 Budget Exhibit A that was presented by the

Finance Committee is that it does not include the 3.2% Cost-of-Living

Adjustment (COLA) that was passed in FY2025. Hunt listed the contents that

have been included in the FY2026 Budget. He explained that one of the things

that the SAO continues to be focused on is finding new grant revenues. He

shared a graph depicting the grant revenue for the General Fund over the past

five years. He explained that while expenses are increasing, the SAO are doing

their best at finding grants to supplement them. Mosser and Hunt addressed

questions and comments from the Committee. Much discussion ensued.

(Committee Member Gripe left at 11:00 a.m.)

14.

Public Defender (R. Conant)

Monthly Report

Public Def. Conant stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report

was made.

Public Defender’s FY2026 Budget Presentation

Public Def. Conant presented the FY2026 Budget. She stated that the Kane

County Public Defender's Office (PDO) is made up of 40 attorneys, 10 support

staff, and two investigators. She noted that over half of the staff are attorneys

who work in the courtrooms 365 days a year moving forward the Judicial system

efficiently and effectively. She presented the PDO's organizational chart. She

shared a graph depicting the opened and closed files from 2020 to 2025. In

2024, out of the cases that were closed, 79% were closed in one year or less,

with 56% of the cases being closed in six months. Conant explained that the

PDO has 18 current murder cases, with six set for trial. Between 2022 and 2023,

the PDO was assigned 37 murder cases, which was unprecedent for the office.

Additionally, in 2024, the PDO opened 3,327 felony cases and 4,238

misdemeanors. Conant explained that differences in cases that were handled by

the PDO versus the State's Attorney's Office (SAO). She spoke on the average

appointments of the Kane County PDO and the American BAR Association

caseload standards. In Kane County, there is an average of 199 cases per

felony attorney, compared to the 150 American BAR Association caseload

standard. Additionally, there is an average of 384 cases per misdemeanor

attorney, compared to the standard of 300. Conant explained that when these

limits are exceeded, attorneys must triage cases. Attorneys provide their best in

moving cases through the Judicial system, but face coming close to not

providing efficient and effective representation of the clients. Conant shared a

comparison of starting salaries between Kane County, Lake County, DuPage

County, and Will County. She stated that Kane County's salaries for Assistant

Public Defenders are not exorbitant in comparison to other counties. She

addressed the challenges the PDO faced when there was not equitable pay for

attorneys and how the approved pay increases have helped with retaining

adequate staff. Conant presented FY2021 through FY2026 budget comparisons

of revenues and expenses. She stated that just like the other Judicial partners,

the PDO provides services. She explained that in order to meet the requested

budget restrictions, the PDO would need to cut employees. She stated that

Public Defenders are mandated by the Constitution, the U.S Constitution, the

Illinois Constitution, and Illinois State Law. Assistant Public Defenders (APD) are

required to be in every courtroom. Conant stated that the PDO's FY2025 Budget

was 96.3% salaries and wages. She noted that the contractual obligations within

the budget do not equate to what has been requested to be cut for FY2026. She

pointed out that each year she has developed the annual budget, the PDO has

come under budget and given money back to the County. She addressed the

repercussions if asked to cut 16% from the PDO's FY2026 Budget. Overall, the

assistance to council would be affected significantly in every courtroom in Kane

County. She spoke on the state mandates that have been placed upon the

Sixteenth Judicial Circuit and the burdens it has caused on the PDO. Conant

presented the salaries and wages from FY2025 and FY2026 comparing union

and non-union employees. She stated that the collective bargaining agreement

(CBA) for staff is in its final year. The step-up increase within the CBA is 4%.

She explained that the non-payroll expenses are slight increases to contractual

obligations. Conant addressed the state mandates and requirements of the

PDO. The majority of these mandates are unfunded and require APDs to be in

courtrooms. However, none of the mandates state how many APDs are

required, but Conant believes that the numbers shared today and in the past

show the office is consistently busy and the caseloads continue to increase. She

stated that the number of attorneys that the PDO has is necessary to move the

Judicial system forward. She added that eliminating attorneys from the PDO will

negatively impact the entire County's Judicial system. She explained that she

has not requested any more attorney positions and has asked for a small

increase for FY2026. She stated that the PDO is trying to provide quality

representation to clients with the budget that has been allotted. However, the

Office will not be able to continue to do so if people need to be cut. Conant

stated she has presented a budget that enables the PDO to perform the

mandated duties.

With regards to the PDO's budget numbers, Chief Judge Villa stated that every

defendant has the right to a speedy trial. He explained that there are two types

of trial entitlements, one that falls under the Constitution and the other is a state

statute. He stated that under staffing the PDO could result in an inability to move

and defend cases that meet a defendant's request for a speedy trial. He added

that the PDO works diligently to meet the required timelines and should be

allowed to continue to do so.

15.

Court Services Administration (L. Aust)

Monthly Report

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust stated the following monthly reports were on file. She

stated that everything within the monthly reports remain consistent month to

month. She explained that within the financial report, Court Services is projected

to be $1.2M under budget. She added that $400K of this is due to a decrease in

juvenile placement.

JJC Housing Report

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Montgomery County for

Juvenile Detention Services

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust introduced the following resolutions requesting

permission to allow the Kane County Juvenile Detention facility to increase the

per diem amount charged to other counties when housing their detained

children. She explained that the increase is significant because Court Services

has taken into account all of the costs, such as the increasing medical cost. She

stated that the increase cost is being passed onto the partners because it is

unfair for Kane County taxpayers to absorb that extra expense.

Aust stated that this first resolution is requesting permission to enter into an

intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Montgomery County to hold their

children at a per diem rate of $225 per day.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Vern Tepe

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Jon Gripe

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Mason County for Juvenile

Detention Services

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust noted that all the intergovernmental agreements

(IGAs) would be increasing to the same amount, but it will be as they expire.

Therefore, there will be several of these types of resolutions in the future.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Rick Williams

MOVER:

Michelle Gumz

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Jon Gripe

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Shelby County for Juvenile

Detention Services

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michelle Gumz

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Jon Gripe

ABSENT:

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Carroll County for Juvenile

Detention Services

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michael Linder

MOVER:

Michelle Gumz

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Jon Gripe

ABSENT:

Authorizing a Food Services Contract Extension for the Juvenile Justice Center

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust stated that this resolution pertains to an addendum

that piggy-backs the Kane County Adult Justice Center's facility food service.

She stated that the Juvenile Justice Center's rate will be increasing $4K and that

the current budget will be able to cover the expense.

KC Finance and Budget Committee

RESULT:

TO:

MOVED FORWARD BY ROLL CALL VOTE

KC Finance and Budget Committee

Michelle Gumz

MOVER:

Michael Linder

SECONDER:

Myrna Molina, Bill Lenert, Michelle Gumz, Michael Linder, Vern

Tepe, and Rick Williams

AYE:

Jon Gripe

ABSENT:

Court Services’ FY2026 Budget Presentation

Court Srvs. Exec. Dir. Aust presented the FY2026 Budget: Costs and Programs

by Function. She reviewed the Court Services' functions and staff. The Court

Services Department employs 189 staff members that is combined into

divisions: Probation, Pretrial, Juvenile Detention, Diagnostic Center, and

Administration. She shared a graph depicting the Court Services' FY2026

Budget by function, which equates to $14,053,396. She noted that the Juvenile

Justice Center (JJC) continues to be the largest factor within the annual budget

at $5.5M. She compared the FY2024 expenses versus the FY2026 expenses,

which remained substantially similar. The major contractual service that will be

cut for FY2026 is in Juvenile Placement, which will be cut by approximately

$200K. Aust noted that the majority of Court Services' revenue comes from the

State. In FY2024, expenses were $13,939,808. In FY2026, the anticipated

expenses are $14,053,396. Aust spoke on the FY2024 Court Services' revenue

sources, which equated to $15,305,405. She explained that the County's share

of Court Services' cost is $5,711,667, which is 37%. The funding for Court

Services that does not come from Kane County is $9,593,739, which is 63%.

Aust shared the FY2026 Court Services' revenue sources, which equates to

$15,175,006. The County's share of Court Services' cost is $5,780,396. The

Court Services' funding that is not provided by the County is $9,384,339. Aust

shared two graphs comparing the FY2024 versus FY2026 revenue, which is

substantially similar, except for the revenue within the Special Funds. She

reviewed Court Services' expenses over the past 10-years retrospective of

expenses and the contents that affected them. She noted that every impact she

reviewed over the 10-year span was a major reason for the requested increases.

She stated that there was a 21.62% department increase and a 30.63% national

rate of inflation from 2014 to 2023. Aust spoke on some cautionary anecdotes

from the Federal government, such as repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA),

and cutting Medicaid, juvenile placement, and Juvenile Drug Court. She

provided additionally information on the potential cut to Medicaid and the

adverse affects it could have. Aust shared a graph that depicted Court Services'

revenue over the past 10 years. In 2015, revenue started to decrease due to the

implementation of the ACA. However, since the services were being used less,

cost declined. In 2019, revenue started to increase due to the petition to the

state to reimburse the County more, especially for staff. She spoke on the

Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) Salary Reimbursement Types,

which are directly paid to the County's General Fund. Aust reviewed that Court

Services' General Fund Budget by category. She noted that 90% of the budget

is personnel. Aust reviewed the shift of expenses from the General Fund to

Special/Restricted Funds for the Substance Abuse Screening Balance,

Probation Fees Balance, and Drug Court Balance. She explained that she has

built up these funds with federal grants for a rainy day, which is now upon the

County. She spoke on the cost of the JJC and the reimbursement amounts that

offset the annual costs. She addressed the possible shut down of the JJC and

the cost to the County for outside housing of detained children. She explained

that her cautionary note is that once the County Board comes to the point of

cutting staff, to have Directors present the true cost of doing so. (Ex-Officio Roth

left at 11:43 a.m.) Aust addressed questions and comments from the

Committee.

16.

Circuit Clerk (T. Barreiro)

Monthly Report

Circuit Clk. Barreiro stated the monthly report was on file. No additional report

was made.

Circuit Clerk’s FY2026 Budget Presentation

Circuit Clk. Barreiro presented the FY2026 Budget. She listed the duties and

responsibilities of the Circuit Clerk's Office (CIC). She shared pictures depicting

Kane County's court locations, which consists of 32 courtrooms that must be

staffed by the CIC. Additionally, deputy clerks staff the Elgin Mental

Health/Delnor, Mercy Medical Center, and St. Joseph Provena Medical Center

for remote court. She explained that there was 284 Illinois Compiled State

Statutes and Mandates that the CIC has to abide by. Barreiro spoke on the

Pretrial Fairness Act. She explained that the largest concerns for the Act is how

the County continues to fund it. Barreiro shared that CIC's organizational chart.

She reviewed a chart that depicted the CIC's Budgeted and Actual Expenditures

from 2020 to 2026. The FY2024 Actual Budget expenses were $4,482,421.31.

The FY2026 Submitted Budget expenses are $5,641,229, which is a

$1,158,807.69 difference. She noted that 97% of expenses are salaries.

Referencing the General Fund from 2020, she explained that the total expenses

were $6M, which is not a significant difference for FY2026. Barreiro shared a

graph depicting the collections received from 2021 to 2024. She reviewed the

total number of cases versus headcount versus eFile transactions. She

explained that headcount has remained the same, while eFile filings have

increased substantially. She shared a graph that showed the expenditures and

revenues from FY2020 to FY2025. She noted that the CIC still collects

approximately 50% less than FY2018. The CIC used to collect $50K per day,

but now the revenue is approximately $25K. For FY2026, the anticipated

revenue is $6,158,320 and expenditures are $5,641,229. She noted that in

FY2023, the County provided an equitable wage increase and the collective

bargaining agreement (CBA) was approved. Barreiro reviewed the CIC's FY2026

Total Salary and Benefits by Fund. The total salary is $5,033,658. The total

benefits amount is $1,934,490. Barreiro spoke on the total clerks needed to

properly staff the office and the job responsibilities of each. She noted that going

below the needed number of staff would mean that non-mandated services

would need to be cut, such as customer service phones, chat, and email, which

is over 200 calls daily. Additionally, staff would only be assigned to perform

record keeping and court responsibilities. Barreiro reviewed additional affects on

the courts, office, and customers that cutting staff would have.

Committee Member Gumz provided her input and thoughts on the Judicial and

Public Safety Offices/Departments' FY2026 Budgets and the need for adequate

services to protect residents. She questioned the importance of public safety to

the County Board. Discussion ensued.

17.

18.

19.

Old Business

None.

New Business

None.

Place Written Reports on File

RESULT:

MOVER:

APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

Michael Linder

20.

Executive Session (if needed)

None.