Kane County treasurer Chris Lauzen announced good news for the County budget: He is raising the projected interest income for the fiscal year ending Nov. 30, 2027 from about $12 million to about $20 million. The additional $8 million can help cover county expenses with revenue earned from investments rather than drawn from taxpayer’s pockets, bringing total projected interest income to the equivalent of roughly 15% of the county’s general fund budget, if “all in”.
“This is $8 million more in revenue that Kane County can put to work serving residents,” Lauzen said. “Our responsibility is to safeguard county funds, maintain the liquidity the county needs to pay its bills, and earn the strongest prudent return available, and current market conditions are giving us an opportunity to do that.”
The new projection reflects higher interest rates on the county’s investments. Demand for borrowing has grown across the economy and the world, and when more borrowers compete for the same supply of money, interest rates rise.
As county investments mature, the Treasurer’s Office will reinvest those funds at today’s higher rates to strengthen income in the year ahead. The updated projection has been shared with the county finance staff and the Board through its Finance Committee for use in the fiscal 2027 budget.
The Kane County Treasurer’s Office is responsible for the collection, safeguarding and distribution of more than $1.7 billion in property tax revenue each year, serving approximately 200,000 taxpayers and more than 300 local taxing bodies, including schools, municipalities and special districts. The office ensures that funds are collected accurately and distributed in a timely and reliable manner.
The office also oversees the investment of county funds, with a focus on protecting principal, maintaining liquidity, and earning a prudent return for taxpayers. In recent years, these efforts have generated investment income 10 times more than initial projections, strengthening county finances without increasing the tax burden.
In addition to its core financial responsibilities, the Treasurer’s Office works to provide clear reporting and accessible information so residents can better understand the property tax system and how public funds are managed. Its operations are conducted with an emphasis on accuracy, accountability and consistent service to the public.
— Kane County Treasurer office