Kane County Reporter

Devin Corbett, chairman of the Aurora Township Republicans, criticized the Kane County Democrats' proposed 0.75% sales tax increase, describing it as a deceptive measure to obscure their excessive spending under the guise of public safety. Corbett made this statement to the Kane County Reporter on February 25.

"The Kane County Democrats' push for a .75% sales tax increase is a blatant attempt to cover up their reckless spending habits at the expense of hardworking constituents," said Corbett. "Rather than addressing their budget mismanagement, they seek to impose a greater financial burden under the guise of funding “public safety. This vague justification distracts from the real issue: their inability to control runaway expenses and prioritize responsible fiscal planning. Kane County residents deserve accountability and efficient use of existing resources, not higher taxes to fill gaps created by poor decision-making."

According to The Daily Herald, Kane County voters will decide in April whether to approve a new 0.75% sales tax on general merchandise aimed at funding public safety, facilities, mental health, and transportation. The proposal includes exemptions for groceries, medical supplies, and titled vehicles. The county board approved the proposal with a 15-4 vote on September 10. Currently, Kane County relies on excess reserves to balance its budget; however, officials caution that these funds may be exhausted by 2028 without spending reductions. The county already imposes a 0.75% Regional Transportation Authority tax and a 0.049% sales tax on motor fuels, in addition to state and local sales taxes. Public safety accounts for 41% of county expenditures.

On April 1, 2025, Kane County residents will vote on a resolution reported by Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham. The resolution states: "To pay for public safety purposes, shall the county of Kane be authorized to impose an increase on its share of local sales taxes by 0.75%? This would mean that a consumer would pay an additional $0.75 in sales tax for every $100 of tangible personal property bought at retail."

Corbett was first elected as Chairman of the Aurora Township Republican Party in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Aurora Township voters."