(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Employees of the Chicago Park District brought some impassioned testimony to the district's public hearing on the 2024 budget today.
The CEO of the park district, Rosa Esareno, released the spending plan, which she says includes "modest user-fee increases."
"This budget does not raise property taxes."
One of the employees who spoke at the hearing was Parris Purdis, a labor foreman at Pulaski Park, who says employees aren't getting a big enough pay raise.
"We are essential employees, and the park district must respect us, protect us and pay us,” Purdis said.
Union employees with SEIU Local 73 are still negotiating a contract with the park district.
The park district board is expected to vote on the 2024 budget in mid-December.
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