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Politics & Government

DuPage County Passes 2012 Budget

County touts no property tax increase while expecting sales tax revenue to grow.

Citing a $10.7 million reduction in spending, the DuPage County board approved its 2012 budget on Wednesday.

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin said the $434.3 million budget adequately funds public safety, infrastructure and human services without raising property taxes.

“During these volatile economic times, DuPage County is attempting to ease the uncertainty for our residents by functioning in a frugal, responsible manner without jeopardizing essential services,” he said.

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Finance Chairman Paul Fichtner said less than three percent of residents’ property taxes actually pay for county government services. The rest of the collected property taxes go toward municipalities, townships, schools, park districts, libraries, etc.

“For the fourth year in a row, we are not raising property taxes. Our fiscal management through the years has allowed us to maintain the current services that residents depend on without asking for more from our taxpayers,” said Fichtner.

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The 2012 budget is $10.7 million lower than the current budget. It is the third consecutive year that the County has cut the budget which is $44 million less than the 2009 financial plan.

The 2012 spending plan reduces employment costs, seeks consolidation and pursues reform and transparency. It also properly funds highway improvements, drainage projects and storm water needs.

The budget includes:

  • No property tax increase;
  • A reduction of 46 full-time positions;
  • Greater contribution by employees for health insurance;
  • Modified employee benefits that cut sick time and vacation days;
  • Seeks consolidation and efficiencies for the Juvenile Detention Center through a partnership with Kane County
  • A balanced General Revenue Fund; and
  • An estimated sales tax growth of 3.5 percent.

The new budget year begins Dec. 1. Details of the approved budget can be viewed online on the DuPage County website, dupageco.org.

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