Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson budget team now pushing $60M property tax hike in effort to pass agreement before end of 2024

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget team is pushing a drastically reduced property tax hike in hopes it might get enough votes to get a budget passed before the end of the year.

The latest number is approximately $60 million.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Negotiations have also now eliminated another proposed tax hike that drew a lot of push back.

As the chill of December sets in, many Council members are still not warming up to the idea of a property tax hike of any kind.

“Residents are already squeezed enough, and they cannot afford another property tax,” 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares said.

The mayor’s $300 million property tax hike was voted down 50-to-0, but the latest working plan has cut that down to just $60 million. That’s about the amount it would go up if the mayor took the automatic increase tied to inflation.

“Well, the fact that we started at 300, and we went to 150. Now, we’re maybe talking about 60 is extremely troubling to me. Because, number one, it appears that, you know, we should have started at 60,” 9th Ward Ald. Anthony Beale said.

The mayor would not talk specifics, saying he won’t negotiate in the media.

But, he made it clear he was dead-set against cuts.

RELATED: Council members propose budget cuts in letter to Chicago mayor to avoid avoid property tax hike

“The people of Chicago say a lot of things to me, but they never say, ‘Mayor Johnson, could you just cut these services? Mayor Johnson can you just lay off more people?” Johnson said.

One alder is proposing the Council be updated on budget data quarterly to avoid the end-of-year scramble now underway.

“Because, if we’re just shooting from the hip at the end of the year, we might find out next year the projections are wildly off, and see a bigger problem,” 40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez said.

One proposed revenue source that is off the table now is the increase in the liquor tax, which drew strong opposition from the restaurant industry.

The mayor’s Budget Committee chair predicts some form of property tax increase will eventually pass.

“I think that ultimately we have to fund government at a level that people expect for the services to be continued,” Ald. Jason Ervin said.

For now, the negotiations continue behind the scenes.

“We’re in the midst of negotiations with alders. We’re in the midst of hearing their ideas; we’re in the midst of running numbers based on what they’re asking us,” Budget Director Annette Guzman said.

Johnson said he’s committed to presenting a balanced budget by the end of the year, as required by law, but he stopped short of predicting one would be passed by the City Council to avoid a government shutdown.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like
The 2024 Kennedy Center Honors: Queen Latifah, The Grateful Dead, more

2024 Kennedy Center Honors lineup includes Queen Latifah and The Grateful Dead

1 1 of 29 Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir, and Mickey Hart of…
Florida teacher is found NAKED in classroom with slew of disturbing items

Teacher in Florida discovered naked in classroom with disturbing items

A Florida teacher has been arrested after being discovered naked inside a classroom…
Outrage as New York park hosts vile lookalike event after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder

Anger rises at New York park for hosting unsavory imitation event following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

A vile lookalike competition has taken place in New York with attendees…
Meghan Markle's billionaire friend Tyler Perry gives frosty answer when asked about lending Duchess of Sussex his LA home

Tyler Perry’s Response to Questions About Lending Meghan Markle His LA Home is Cold

Tyler Perry gave a frosty answer when asked about lending his LA mansion…
Scientists reveal the exact date of Jesus' birth - and say it WASN'T on December 25 AD 1

Uncovering the Real Date of Jesus’ Birth: Not December 25 AD 1, Scientists Say

For millions of Christians around the world, the celebration of Christmas has a…
‘Reacher’ Sets Season 3 Premiere Date On Prime Video

Season 3 of the show “Reacher” will premiere on Prime Video soon.

Reacher’s back and ready to face his next opponent. A glimpse into…
Beack Park crime: Ricardo Carcamo-Ortega of Waukegan arrested after cutting person with box cutter, threatened child: sheriff

Tragic Cicero Shooting Results in One Fatality and Six Injuries in Lawndale, Chicago, Says Officials

One person has died and at least six others have been injured…
Light the Line foundation hosts holiday fundraiser to support Chicago Police Department in honor of fallen CPD Officer Ella French

“Fundraiser for Chicago Police Department in Honor of Officer Ella French Hosted by Light the Line Foundation”

A special evening took place on Saturday at Cine City Studios on…
Tom Selleck Says He Wants To Work With ‘Yellowstone’ Creator On Next Project After ‘Blue Bloods’

Tom Selleck expresses interest in collaborating with ‘Yellowstone’ creator on upcoming project following ‘Blue Bloods’.

Tom Selleck has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. At 79…
NYPD releases two NEW pictures of healthcare boss's assassin during his getaway in the back of a cab

“NYPD Shares Fresh Images of Suspect Fleeing in Taxi After Assassinating Healthcare Executive”

New photos of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s alleged killer have been released by…
Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad?

Understanding Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader behind the rebellion that removed Syria’s Assad.

BEIRUT — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader whose stunning insurgency toppled…
Democratic strategist reveals exactly why Kamala lost as he gives dark warning about the party's future

Expert explains why Kamala Harris lost the election and warns about the future of the Democratic Party

A Democratic strategist key to President Obama’s win over John McCain has…