(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — By the narrowest of margins, the Chicago City Council has approved Mayor Brandon Johnson’s controversial $830 million capital bond issue.
After a long impassioned debate and some stalling tactics, the vote was 26 to 23 to approve borrowing $830 million to repair and maintain Chicago's roadways, bridges, and more.
“This funding is needed to maintain the critical public safety and public infrastructure systems that our residents rely on, and they rely on those type of investments every day,” Johnson said about the bond earlier.
Opponents railed against the years that will pass before the city pays back any of the money or pays only interest. Backers stressed the need for the work.
There were pleas to take a little more time to fine tune the payment schedule to save more money.
At one point, a move to stall the vote ended with a tie vote. Mayor Johnson broke the tie.
The measure goes forward.
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