City Council Set to Vote on New Budget Proposal without Property Tax Hike
Changes Made to Address Concerns
What began as a proposed $300 million property tax hike in Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget has been removed entirely as the full City Council is set to vote Monday on the latest proposal.
No New Property Taxes, but $40 Million in Financing
Though property taxes were seen as the most significant hurdle in getting Johnson’s budget to pass, the current proposal is not a guarantee despite the changes. While this proposal won’t enact any new property taxes, alderman said it does utilize $40 million in financing.
Aldermen Express Concerns
“Ald. Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward said, “When you’re talking about borrowing $40 million, in my opinion, that’s not responsible. All we’re doing is delaying the inevitable of rightsizing government.” However, Ald. Andre Vasquez of the 40th Ward disputed that the $40 million is a loan, stating on Twitter, “Just because misinformation isn’t helpful, there is NO ‘borrowing of $40M’ in this latest proposal. It is more akin to skipping a payment of $40M that’s already owed to bring down the property tax.”
Group of Aldermen Demand Further Cuts
A group of 15 City Council members, including Villegas and other frequent Johnson critics, demanded an additional $823.7 million in spending reductions, headlined by the elimination of the Office of Vice Mayor and the $175 million 2025 CTU non-teacher pension payment. The letter also calls for the following:
- Reconnection with SoundThinking for gunshot detection technology until a successor provider is awarded.
- Authorization to enter into an agreement for the acquisition & investment into a new 008 Police District
- Authorization to enter into an agreement for the acquisition & investment into a new 012 Satellite Police District
- Finalized public safety contracts with Firefighters Local 2 and Police Sergeants as well as the New Retention Bonus, COVID Discipline Board, and VRI Overtime settlements.
Proposal Includes Some Reductions
While the group of City Council members is pushing for a wide expansion of cuts, the latest proposal does include some reductions, which Johnson was long-resistant to. The cuts include trimming 10 positions in the mayor’s office and other reductions to middle management while aiming to improve efficiency in the city’s energy and security spending.
Alderman Calls Proposal a “Fair Compromise”
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, an ally of Johnson, called the proposal “a fair compromise.” “This is the time to pass a responsible budget and get together to talk about solutions for what would be a trump administration that is looking at the city as a target,” Sigcho-Lopez said.
City Council to Vote on Proposal Monday
City Council is slated to vote on the latest proposal Monday.
Conclusion
The latest budget proposal from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been revised to remove the proposed property tax hike, but still includes $40 million in financing. While some aldermen have expressed concerns about the proposal, others have called it a “fair compromise.” The City Council will vote on the proposal Monday.
FAQs
* What is the latest budget proposal from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson?
+ The proposal removes the proposed $300 million property tax hike and includes $40 million in financing.
* What are the concerns about the proposal?
+ Some aldermen have expressed concerns about the $40 million in financing, calling it “borrowing” and “not responsible.”
* What are the proposed cuts in the latest budget proposal?
+ The proposal includes trimming 10 positions in the mayor’s office and other reductions to middle management, as well as aiming to improve efficiency in the city’s energy and security spending.
* Will the City Council vote on the proposal?
+ Yes, the City Council is slated to vote on the proposal Monday.
