Elmhurst City Council OKs property tax hike for pensions
Elmhurst City Council OKs property tax hike for pensions
The Chicago suburb’s decision to raise the levy will result in a 3.1 percent hike in the city’s portion of property tax bills, marking the first such increase in four years.
By Brendan Bakala
Corruption watchdog: Markham mayor approved his own pay raise
Corruption watchdog: Markham mayor approved his own pay raise
A new report alleges Markham Mayor Pro Tem Ernest Blevins illegally hiked his own salary.
By Brendan Bakala
Last day for refunds on Chicago red-light and speed camera tickets
Last day for refunds on Chicago red-light and speed camera tickets
Motorists have only hours left to seek a refund from the city of Chicago.
By Brendan Bakala
Hoffman Estates passes property tax hike
Hoffman Estates passes property tax hike
Seeing rising pension costs, a decline in state assistance, and a new state tax-collection fee, in 2018 the village plans to raise the property tax levy 4.9 percent and make a 1.2 percent cut to the village’s budgeted revenues, in addition to a 1.7 percent spending cut.
By Brendan Bakala
Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation
Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation
Forrest Claypool will step down as the head of Chicago Public Schools after the CPS inspector general recommended his firing.
By Brendan Bakala
Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals
Investigation: Madigan firm the biggest player in commercial property tax appeals
A new investigation by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois reveals the mismanagement of the Cook County property tax system, and the politically connected firms who profit from it.
By Austin Berg
Elgin residents facing multitude of tax and fee hikes
Elgin residents facing multitude of tax and fee hikes
A 2018 budget proposal for Elgin includes a new gas tax, an increase in water and sewer rates, and other tax hikes.
By Brendan Bakala
Belleville to consider $1.2 million property tax hike
Belleville to consider $1.2 million property tax hike
The city’s property tax levy would increase by nearly 12 percent, with most of the funding going toward police and fire pensions.
By Brendan Bakala
NIU Board of Trustees unanimously approves $600,000 severance for former president
NIU Board of Trustees unanimously approves $600,000 severance for former president
The Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees approved an expensive severance package for former university President Doug Baker, despite the scandal ending his tenure.
It’s Illinois’ birthday! Hey, wait … come back
It’s Illinois’ birthday! Hey, wait … come back
Illinois’ exodus of people and money is the state’s most pressing policy problem. Until lawmakers get serious about addressing its causes, there’s little reason to think the trend will change.
By Austin Berg