Emanuel To Tie Parking Stickers and Water Service To Inflation

By aaroncynic in News on Oct 20, 2011 7:20PM

Mayor Rahm Emanuel plans to keep bumping up prices for city stickers and water services to match the cost with inflation. The Tribune reports that in addition to increases over the next four years, rates would continue to rise each year by the consumer price index, up to 5 percent per year. Defending the hikes, Budget Director Alex Holt said Chicago has "one of the lowest water rates in the country" and the fees will keep Chicago comparable with other major cities.

"This will keep the price of delivering fresh drinking water to Chicago and 125 suburban communities on pace with broader economic trends,” Holt told aldermen during opening day of City Council hearings on the mayor’s budget.

The news came at a City Council hearing on the mayor’s budget for next year. At present, the projected budget hole for next year is $636 million.

In addition to rising prices, Emanuel’s budget cuts library hours, closes three police stations and lays off a number of part time city workers. Budget Director Alexandra Holt said the plan “makes some tough choices about cutting expenses, while at the same time encouraging innovation and reinvention of city government.”