Chicago Aldermen Set to Vote on Mayor’s 2025 Budget Proposal, Including Increased Taxes and Fees
On Friday, the Chicago alderpeople will vote on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2025 budget proposal, which has sparked debate and controversy among council members and residents alike. While Johnson had campaigned on a promise not to raise property taxes, his initial budget plan included a $300 million property tax increase, which was unanimously rejected by council members. After several revisions, the final budget proposal includes a $68 million property tax increase, as well as other measures to generate additional revenue for the city.
Overall, the proposed taxes and fees in the budget plan add up to $234 million. This includes raising the rate on personal property leases by $128 million, increasing the parking garage tax by $11 million, expanding the congestion surcharge on weekends, and raising the tax on streaming services such as Netflix and cable TV. Additionally, the city’s grocery bag tax is set to increase from 7 cents to 10 cents under the mayor’s plan.
While some argue that these taxes and fees are necessary to fund essential city services, others believe that they will place an undue burden on residents already struggling with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa points out that while a property tax increase cannot be avoided, the bag tax can be avoided by bringing a reusable tote to the grocery store. However, others believe that the budget plan still falls short in addressing the need for cuts and efficiencies within the city’s spending.
The council is currently divided over whether to pass the budget plan. The city faces a deadline of December 31 to approve a new budget or face a reduction in its bond rating. This puts additional pressure on council members to come to a decision, as the consequences of not approving a budget could be severe.
There is no denying that the vote on Friday will be a close one. Two city council committees, finance and budget, narrowly passed the plan this week. The mayor’s allies are confident that they will be able to secure enough votes, but they acknowledge that the outcome will be close. Alderman William Hall of the 6th Ward believes that the vote will come down to how council members can come together in the next 48 hours. He states, “There’s a very, very close vote count because there are those who see Chicago being one way and those seeing it the other way.”
With such a close vote, there is a possibility that Mayor Johnson will have to cast the tie-breaking vote, as he has done on previous occasions. This further highlights the importance of this budget vote and the impact it will have on the city and its residents.
If the budget passes, it will mean the cancellation of several programs to make up for the budget shortfall and the depletion of COVID-19 relief funding. These programs include a $31 million basic income plan and a $29 million cut for small business grants. While Johnson has promised no layoffs for city workers, there will likely be cuts in other areas to balance the budget.
In addition to increased taxes and fees, the budget also includes several fines and fees controlled by the city. These include vehicle stickers, residential permit parking passes, public vehicle fines, public chauffeurs and pedicab licenses, and license fine violations. The mayor is also proposing to add more speed cameras in Chicago to pay for police officer jobs as part of the city’s efforts to comply with a federal consent decree.
Another factor to consider in the budget vote is the request made by Alderman Debra Silverstein from the 50th Ward. She has requested that the vote be concluded by 3 p.m. on Friday as she needs to leave City Hall to observe the Jewish Sabbath, Shabbat. This further highlights the diversity and inclusivity of the city and the need to accommodate different religious beliefs and practices.
If the budget does not pass on Friday, there is a possibility that council members will reconvene over the weekend to continue discussions. However, it is clear that the decision will have to be made soon, and all parties involved are hoping for a resolution on Friday.
In conclusion, the budget vote on Friday will have significant implications for the city of Chicago and its residents. While there are differing opinions on the proposed taxes and fees, it is crucial for council members to come together and make a decision that will benefit the city as a whole. As Alderman Scott Waguespack states, “How we come
