CHICAGO (WLS) — The dispute over Chicago’s budget seems to be moving towards a resolution as two important City Council committees review Mayor Brandon Johnson’s most recent budget plan.
Both the city’s Finance and Budget committees meet Tuesday to review the proposed budget.
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The proposed budget must pass through the committees before a full City Council vote, which could come as soon as Friday.
The proposed budget includes a $68/5 million property tax hike, but no layoffs.
The proposal also encompasses anticipated revenues from a ride-share congestion tax, an increase in weekend parking fees, and a rise in the cost of checkout bags to $0.10.
Initially, the City Council turned down the mayor’s original budget that involved a $300-million increment in property taxes. A subsequent budget proposal suggested a $150-million hike, but this too was rejected.
And while some City Council members say they still have concerns about a property tax hike and the size of the budget, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says his proposed budget looks to serve the people of the city of Chicago.
“That’s what is right about this budget,” Mayor Johnson said. “It invests in people. We don’t cut services and lay people off and my team is working regularly to work with the governor’s team to find progressive revenue.”
READ MORE: Mayor Johnson budget team now pushing $60M property tax hike in effort to pass agreement
This latest proposed budget also calls for some programs like the guaranteed basic income program that gives qualifying households $500 a month for a year to be eliminated.
The city must pass an approved budget by the end of the year.
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