CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Mayor Johnson’s $17 billion budget plan advanced during an at times chaotic City Council meeting Wednesday. The big vote is expected to be Friday.
The vote on the 2025 budget is meant to be the final passage, but there have been quarrels, mistrust and missteps along the way.
Remember the $68 million property tax increase started out as a $300 million must have element.
Fortieth Ward Alderman Andre Vazquez isn’t sure it will pass.
“I think it’s tight,” Vazquez told WBBM. “I think that when things are that tight you don’t want to get people frustrated as it relates to the city council during meetings. It’s not something I’d gamble with.”
Ask 6th Ward Alderman William Hall if 26 votes are there to pass the budget, you get an answer that’s a bit more hopeful.
“I think it has the hearts to pass, the votes should follow the hearts, and I think there are more people, and I’m confident about that, that are good-hearted council people,” said Hall. I think the drama just comes with the job.”
By law, the City must have a balanced budget by year’s end. Vazquez is not sure exactly what happens if it doesn’t, and he admitted many don’t even want to consider the possibility of a government shutdown.
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