Chicago Mayor Johnson to Present 2027 Budget: Plan Would Borrow About $480 Million for Police Settlements as Settlement and Judgment Costs Rise by a Projected $266 Million
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in Cook County, Illinois, is scheduled to address the City Council on Wednesday, October 21, to present his 2027 budget. According to details obtained by the Chicago Tribune ahead of the address, the city's costs for settlements and judgments are projected to rise by $266 million next year, most of it the price of police misconduct cases.
The Tribune reports the plan would borrow about $480 million: roughly $260 million for the cases tied to former detective Reynaldo Guevara, $120 million for settlements approved in 2026 and $100 million for settlements expected in 2027, with the debt repaid over five to seven years. Earlier this month, the City Council unanimously approved a single $260.8 million settlement covering 16 lawsuits tied to Guevara. Asked what the interest would cost, mayoral press secretary Allison Novelo declined to estimate it, telling the paper it would depend on future market conditions.
Johnson calls the plan his "Fair Share" budget; it also revives a head tax as part of its revenue arrangements. After the budget address, the City Council will take up the 2027 budget through its normal review and voting process. (Compiled from Chicago Tribune reporting, summarized by the Chicago Patriot on October 21)
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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