Overview
- Mayor Brandon Johnson said he is bracing for potential midyear layoffs if revenues fail to cover expenses, noting that roles tied to community safety could be affected.
- He said his administration will track monthly receipts and may make strategic decisions to address any shortfall that emerges.
- Johnson criticized a projected $90 million debt sale as "immoral" and cast doubt on expected video gambling receipts, with the council plan also raising the plastic bag fee and authorizing debt sales to collectors.
- A majority of aldermen passed an alternative budget last month, which Johnson allowed to take effect by neither signing nor vetoing after opposing its revenue assumptions.
- Council leaders countered that the plan is balanced and accused the mayor of undermining implementation, while City Hall confirmed Chief Financial Officer Jill Jaworski is departing for a Navy Pier post.