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
Gerald Radford, charged in alleged hate crime shooting of gay man John 'Walt' Lay, in Tampa, Florida, claims self-defense

Man Accused of Hate Crime Shooting of Gay Victim in Tampa, Florida, Says Act Was Self-Defense

TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida man accused of a hate crime for…
Crocodile Dundee star Linda Kozlowski is seen in rare sighting almost 25 years after leaving Hollywood behind

Linda Kozlowski, known for her role in Crocodile Dundee, spotted after nearly 25 years away from Hollywood

She famously bid adieu to Hollywood nearly 25 years ago and has…
National Christmas Tree Lighting Interrupted by Joe Biden Being a Complete Weirdo

Weekly Recap: Biden’s Surprise Gift to Trump, Unusual Behavior, and Critique of Chuck Todd

Welcome to the RedState Weekly Briefing — where we recap the most…
Trump Names Fierce Attorney Who Defended Him in Multiple Cases As 'Counselor to the President'

Attorney Who Defended Trump in Multiple Cases Appointed as ‘Counselor to the President’

She fully understands the “Weaponization of the ‘Injustice’ System,” the Trump-Vance transition…
How To Watch ‘Yellowstone’ Season 5, Episode 13 Online and on TV

Where to Stream or Watch ‘Yellowstone’ Season 5, Episode 13 Online and on TV

It was another important week in the ever-expanding Sheridan-verse. The prolific mind…
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…
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…
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…
Former Chicago White Sox star Dick Allen elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

Dick Allen, a former star player for the Chicago White Sox, has been chosen to join the Baseball Hall of Fame.

DALLAS — After patiently awaiting recognition from Cooperstown for almost 30 years,…
Donald Trump tariffs: President-elect says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and promises swift immigration action

Potential price increase in US due to Donald Trump’s tariffs, with no guarantee of price stability. President-elect pledges to address immigration promptly.

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about the impact of his promised…
Where is Austin Tice? Missing Houston native may still be alive 12 years after being captured by Syrian forces, family says

The whereabouts of Austin Tice remain unknown. Family believes Houston native, who was taken by Syrian forces 12 years ago, could still be alive.

HOUSTON, Texas — The family of Austin Tice, a Marine veteran and…
Brandi Glanville reveals doctor's shock theory about the REAL reason her face is now unrecognizable

Brandi Glanville shares doctor’s surprising idea on why her face looks different now

Brandi Glanville says doctors suspect her facial condition may be caused by a parasite…