Chris Lauzen, the Republican candidate for Kane County Board chairman, issued the following statement on Thursday:
“After raising the county property tax levy by 50 percent ($36.2 million to $54.3 million) from 2003 to 2010, it is good news for taxpayers that 2011 and 2012 overall county property tax levies have been frozen at $54.0M and $53.9M, respectively," Lauzen said.
“When I first announced my candidacy for Kane County Board chairman on Aug. 6, 2011, I committed to three priorities of freezing the county property tax levy, treating people respectfully, and bringing best practices to county administration," Lauzen added. “By November 2011, the first frozen levy was ratified and now, less than two weeks before the 2012 General Election, the second frozen levy has been supported … which demonstrates an appropriate respect for Kane County voters. It has been the right thing to do after seven years of a cumulative 50 percent increase, especially during a time that homeowners’ value has decreased."
Lauzen continued, “Freezing the county property tax levy is an excellent first step, but it’s like the ‘dessert before the meal.’ The ‘spinach’ portion of this budget process is identifying the actual efficiencies and innovations to allow us to live within this cap. That enormous challenge will be left to whomever is elected as chairman and as board members in the next term.”
