Chicago Park District set to increase property taxes

Parks Superintendent Michael Kelly is recommending a $3.6 million property tax increase.

A district news release said the Park District announced the proposed budget at 5 pm on November 22, a time when many people are focused on the weekend.

The Park District property tax increase, which still needs to be approved by the park board, is the latest example of Mayor Rahm Emanuel turning to a tax increase at a city agency under his control after publicizing investments and cost savings there throughout the year.

Chicago Public Schools has increased property taxes the past two years, a move Emanuel has justified in part by talking about cost-cutting initiatives at the central office and the need to emphasize greater spending on the city’s children.
The Park District tax hike comes after the mayor spent this year touting playground improvement initiatives at parks across the city and talking up his plans to have more summer movies in neighborhood parks.

The tax increase will impact the average city homeowner by approximately $2.71 per year and it’s the first increase in the district’s property tax levy since 2005.