SYCAMORE – Tax cuts were the focal point of discussions during a workshop on a proposed $73 million budget for DeKalb County Board members Wednesday, but any reduction to property tax bills seems unlikely.

Ken Andersen, R-Sycamore, offered the possibility of eliminating a proposed $300,000 increase in property tax revenue compared to last year by shifting that cost to reserve funds, which would increase reserve spending from $900,000 to $1.2 million – higher than an auditor’s recommendation.

But if the county eliminates the additional property tax revenue, which amounts to an extra $9.25 for homeowners compared to last year, it would take years for the county to make up the loss because of tax cap regulations, said Gary Hanson, deputy county administrator.