If you live in a neighborhood designated as a "Special Service Areas," you could be facing a hike in taxes soon. The City Council's Finance Committee is to discuss the matter today. According to CBS 2, SSA's are, "...places where aldermen have the power to add upgrades to retail strips and streetscapes, as well as security enhancements to the neighborhood. To fund such projects, taxes go up on homeowners and business owners that live in an SSA area." The wards looking at this potential hike include the 9th, 23rd, 34th, 43rd, 44th, and 46th. more ›

As announced, Todd Stroger passed on last night's meeting with residents in Palatine. Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins took some of the blame for his absence, saying she understood why Stroger might be put off by the change of meeting format that came Monday. After a heated debate about the format of the meeting, Palatine Councilman Jack Wagner lost his temper. more ›