LINCOLN SQUARE — What does Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposed 2014 budget mean at the neighborhood level? Ald. Ameya Pawar will discuss the potential impact with residents of the 47th Ward at a series of town halls.
The first session, which will also include a meeting of the 47th Ward Council, is scheduled for 7 p.m., Oct. 29, at St. Benedict, 2215 W. Irving Park Rd.
The second is scheduled for 7 p.m., Nov. 6, at McPherson Elementary, 4728 N. Wolcott.
A third meeting is still being planned.
Attendees will have an opportunity to provide feedback on various budget proposals, which include hikes in a number of fines and fees, and ask questions about city services and ward-related issues.
To plug an estimated $339 million deficit, the 2014 budget proposal was balanced, in part, through revenue increases that include parking fines, storage fees for towed autos, zoning application fees, cable-television taxes and a 75-cent-a-pack hike in the cigarette tax.
The mayor budgeted an overall $76 million increase in fines, with most of that generated by speed cameras, which are estimated to bring in more than $65 million.
City Council is set to hold two weeks of budget hearings beginning Oct. 28.
Contributing: Ted Cox
