Decatur passes budget out of balance by $3 million
Decatur passes budget out of balance by $3 million
As its population and tax base erode, the city of Decatur passed a budget for fiscal year 2018 more than $3 million in the red.
NIU board to vote on $600,000 severance package for former president
NIU board to vote on $600,000 severance package for former president
The Board of Trustees at Northern Illinois University granted a $600,000 severance package to outgoing university President Doug Baker, who resigned following a state investigation into his management of the university. But after a court struck down that agreement, the board is set to vote again.
Danville passes property tax and fee hikes to pay for pensions
Danville passes property tax and fee hikes to pay for pensions
Owners of Danville property will pay fees of up to $1,020 a year just for local pensions, on top of rising property tax bills.
Palatine passes property tax hike to pay for pensions
Palatine passes property tax hike to pay for pensions
Palatine homeowners will see higher property tax bills in order to pay for higher local pension costs, as well as a dip in state funding.
Normal Town Council approves increase in property tax levy
Normal Town Council approves increase in property tax levy
The Town Council voted unanimously for a tax levy increase, which is expected to result in higher property taxes in 2018.
Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today
Cook County’s notorious soda tax ends today
With the repeal of the Cook County sweetened beverage tax, taxpayers remind elected officials who they represent.
Illinois borrowing $750M at near-junk credit rating
Illinois borrowing $750M at near-junk credit rating
The state is borrowing millions to finance capital construction projects and information technology improvements. But Illinoisans continue to pay for the worst credit rating of any state in the nation.
Chicago earns an F in new fiscal report card
Chicago earns an F in new fiscal report card
A new study shows the Windy City’s financial troubles persist, despite a series of tax increases.
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
Palatine plans property tax hike as officials ponder other taxes, service cuts
The village and school district will likely raise their property tax levies.
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Southern Illinois University chancellor urges administrative spending cuts
Despite objections from faculty, one university chancellor is pressing for a campus restructuring that includes curbing the tuition-heightening costs of administrative bloat.
Fare hikes on the way for Chicago train, bus passengers
Fare hikes on the way for Chicago train, bus passengers
The Chicago Transit Authority’s latest budget proposal includes 25-cent fare hikes.
Typical Chicago homeowner will face $174 more in taxes in 2018
Typical Chicago homeowner will face $174 more in taxes in 2018
Increases in several taxes mean a higher tax bill for taxpayers.
Illinoisans’ no good, very bad year
Illinoisans’ no good, very bad year
The biggest obstacle Illinoisans face in Springfield remains the same: an all-powerful House speaker, and members of both parties who are all too eager to kowtow.
Chicago poised to divert millions of tax dollars to private health provider
Chicago poised to divert millions of tax dollars to private health provider
Under the guise of rehabilitating underserved communities, City Hall preps another massive tax transfer to a private company.