Chicago Mayor Richard Daley last week said he would not seek a property tax hike in the 2011 budget but other fee or tax increases are a possible “last resort” as the city slowly recovers from the recession.
Speaking at a luncheon sponsored by the City Club of Chicago, Daley said he would halt for one year some beautification projects, including new tree planting to save $4 million. “We’re facing a tight budget, and we must set our priorities,” said the mayor, who has not said whether he would seek re-election next year.
The city’s 2010 budget relied heavily on reserves from the $1.15 billion privatization of the parking meter system to avoid higher taxes or deep service cuts.
