Overview
- Mayor Brandon Johnson reworked his proposal into a $33-per-employee monthly charge on companies with 500 or more workers, projected to raise about $80–82 million from roughly 175 firms.
- Opposition alderpersons introduced $409 million in amendments and secured a 29–18 vote to schedule five meetings next week through Dec. 23 to push their alternative toward a vote.
- The council majority’s plan drops any head tax and instead seeks a higher garbage fee set at $15 per month, increased liquor taxes, an expanded rideshare surcharge, and efficiencies and debt collection gains.
- The alternative package also aims to fully restore the advance pension payment, reduce reliance on TIF surplus for CPS, and cancel planned borrowing for firefighter and paramedic back pay.
- Johnson has vowed to veto any budget that raises garbage fees, an override would require 34 votes, and both sides warn of a potential city government shutdown if no budget passes by Dec. 31; community advocates say the alternative would cut 5,100 summer youth jobs.