Mayor Brandon Johnson has delayed Friday’s vote on the final draft of his 2025 budget plan, just weeks before the end-of-year deadline for budget negotiations, according to multiple reports.
Sources told NBC that Johnson chose to delay the budget hearing after failing to secure the 26 votes needed to pass his spending plan.
Property tax hike and other fee increases
The budget is in its third draft and includes increased property taxes as well as other citywide fees. Many of the proposed increases could have an adverse effect on everyday Chicagoans.
Johnson’s current spending plan includes an increased grocery store bag tax from 7 cents to 10 cents, as well as higher fees for residential parking permits and use of streaming services, according to reports.
Additionally, Johnson proposed a 34% increase on Chicago’s liquor tax, which is already among the highest in the country. According to the Sun-Times, however, the mayor scrapped the proposal following outcry from the local hospitality industry.
City Council pushback
The proposed tax increases, particularly the property tax hike, have prompted pushback from many City Council members.
In October, Johnson proposed an initial $300 million property tax increase for 2025, which City Council unanimously rejected on November 14.
Johnson subsequently issued a revised property tax proposal of $150 million, followed by the most recent budget draft which includes a $68 million increase according to NBC. In total, the tax increases would amount to $234 million in additional revenue.
City Council has until Dec. 31 to pass a vote on the 2025 budget, one that will amend the near $1 billion deficit projected for the coming year. According to reports, the vote has been to early next week.