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The Chicago City Council is set to kick off a series of meetings starting Monday, aiming to finalize an alternative budget proposal.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has made it clear that he plans to veto any budget proposal that includes increased fees.
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The main point of contention in the city budget discussions is the mayor’s proposed corporate head tax.
This tax targets 175 of Chicago’s largest companies and has emerged as a major sticking point for council members who oppose it.
Council members against the corporate head tax have submitted a revised revenue ordinance in response.
Under the revised proposal, the garbage collection fee, currently set at $9.50 per month, would be increased to $15 per month, a reduction from the originally proposed $18.
Mayor Brandon Johnson says, however, he’ll veto any budget with higher garbage fees for Chicagoans.
RELATED: Chicago City Council revises alternative budget proposal, mayor defends head tax as deadline looms
“Our amendments follow our core principles, no borrowing for operating expenses, no shorting our pension obligations, no job killing head tax and a commitment to real structural efficiencies that prevent long term harm,” 11th Ward Alderwoman Nicole Lee said.
“I don’t support a budget that places such an incredible burden on working people,” Mayor Johnson said.
Those in support of the alternate budget plan need 34 votes to avoid a mayoral veto.
Mayor Johnson and his supporters are adamant about his head tax, which will fund violence prevention and youth jobs.
READ MORE | Chicago budget discussions reach stalemate, raising possibility of 1st-ever city government shutdown
Meetings are scheduled for Monday through Thursday to vote on the plan before Christmas.
City leaders must pass a budget before the end of the year to avoid a shutdown.
