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
Feel-Good Friday: Celebrating Those Who Honor a Person's Whole Life, Even After Death

“Recognizing Those Who Cherish a Person’s Legacy Beyond Their Lifetime on Feel-Good Friday”

This week’s Feel-Good Friday is a bit different, focusing more on reflection…
Daniel Penny trial jury can't reach unanimous verdict on manslaughter judge

Jury in Daniel Penny manslaughter trial unable to reach unanimous verdict

The Daniel Penny jury has announced it cannot reach a unanimous verdict on…
Judge makes shock decision over Delta stowaway Svetlana Dali as new details emerge about her

New Details Revealed as Judge Makes Unexpected Decision in Delta Stowaway Svetlana Dali’s Case

The stowaway who hid on a flight from New York to Paris…
Humboldt Park news: City of Chicago begins clearing homeless encampment near North and California avenues

Clearing of homeless camp near North and California avenues in Humboldt Park initiated by City of Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — All Porfiro Elliott and his fiancée Melissa Johnson can…
Major insurers make drastic change as they ramp up security measures after brazen shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Insurance companies increase security measures following the bold shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Health insurance companies have started removing images of their leadership teams from…
Flood leaves Animal House Shelter in Huntley, Illinois with tens of thousands of dollars in damage

Animal House Shelter in Huntley, Illinois suffers significant financial losses due to flooding

HUNTLEY, Ill. (WLS) — A burst pipe is leaving a Huntley animal…
Disgusting allegations made against Kentucky judge shot dead in his office by sheriff

Kentucky judge, accused of misconduct, fatally shot by sheriff in his office

According to a witness’s statement to police, a Kentucky judge who was…
Elizabeth Pollard search: Body of woman who fell into western Pennsylvania sinkhole has been recovered

Woman’s Body Found in a Sinkhole in Western Pennsylvania, Identified as Elizabeth Pollard

UNITY TWP., Pa. — The body of a woman who fell into…
UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killer came to NYC on bus from Atlanta | Reporter Replay

Source reports: Killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO traveled to NYC from Atlanta by bus

A bus from Atlanta brought the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO to NYC…
A Sad Tim Walz is ‘Surprised’ He and Kamala Lost, Blames America for Rejecting Their ‘Positive Message’

Tim Walz expresses disappointment and shock over his and Kamala’s loss, attributing it to America rejecting their optimistic message.

Suffice it to say there is no joy in Walzville. Mighty Kamala,…
Schiff Steps Down! Notorious Democrat House Member Gets a Promotion.

Schiff Resigns! Well-Known Democratic House Rep Receives Promotion.

Elections carry significant consequences. Amidst the celebrations and reflections on the results…
Barry Keoghan posts thirst traps amid Sabrina Carpenter split and THOSE Breckie Hill cheating rumors

Barry Keoghan shares attractive photos after breaking up with Sabrina Carpenter and amidst rumors of cheating on Breckie Hill

Barry Keoghan posted a series of thirst trap snaps amid rumors that…