On behalf of the citizens of Chicago Heights, I'd like to thank Mayor Gonzalez and Treasurer Dee for their hard work on this matter. This is a big tax break compared to the increases we've been seeing. The voters made the right choice, and future is bright in Chicago Heights.
Also, as expected, this is a public hearing. I expect to read all about the great questions from concerned Patch commenters tomorrow.

Don't thank him for me!This increase should not even take place,if he elminated half of the salaries at city hall we would be a lot better off. I wonder what the city salaries from last year compared to this year are?

Property taxes will rise very little, even less than the rate of inflation. Truly a commendable feat.

In a recession year.

I hardly consider a 1.5% increase a "tax break". If they can refinance a municipal bond and save almost 2 million dollars, why do we need a tax increase. At this rate, the future of Chicago Heights is ANYTHING BUT bright...it is bleak. Also, we EXPECTED the public hearing to be on December 19. How very curious that the change wasn't announced until today. Sounds to me like Mr. Gonzalez and his puppy-dog like followers are afraid of opposition to their proposals.

That's so public won't attend.

Why doesn't the Mayor respond on this site,to any of these questions?Sorry that's Winston is here.

Sorry that's why Winston is here.

The mayor holds public meetings and was interviewed for the story.
You are correct that we're in poor economic times. That is why an increase of 1.5 percent is a bargain. As I mentioned, inflation is 2 percent, so this is very minimal. A win for the taxpayers!

Why do you keep from answering the most important part of my question. City workers salaries? A chief of staff and asst chief of staff,is that needed,if we have a firm that does our marketing why do we need to pay someone else to do the same job?These are just a few examples the list goes on and on. What is the difference in how much the salaries are from last year till now?

Someone needs to do his research better. According the the Consumer Index, inflation was at a rate of 3.39% in November 2011 (the latest information available). Forget it Jason. You will NEVER get a straight answer from Mr./Ms. Wolf. That person is only a mouth piece for someone at City Hall. Hence the beating around the bush and the pats on the back. It's past ridiculous. How can anyone consider a tax increase a "win for the taxpayers"? That comment is beyond asinine.

Mrs. R hope to see you tonight please tell people about this.

If inflation is 3.39%,then this is an even better deal for the taxpayers!

I'm trying, Jason, but I'm so worked up and angry about the whole mess I don't know that I would be able to maintain the proper decorum. I have written something that I would like to read, though. We will see.

Dave bundled the taxes of the school incorrectly. District 206 is only 22% of the tax bill. S.D. 170, the grade school, is 32%. The schools are only 54%. He could have said that the City and 170, the entities they have controlled, are 62%. Last year the City's rate went up three times more than 206's.

By comparison, Homewood Flossmoor H.S. is 35% of the total tax bill and the City of Homewood is a mere 16% of its tax bill and Village of Flossmoor is only 10%, or 26% combined. In most communities, the high school is the second largest recipient of taxes, but not in Chicago Heights.

The City of Chicago Heights' tax rate is 3.639%. District 206's is 2.75%. The City gets 32% more than 206. Residents need to be more involved with the City, not the schools.

I left that meeting feeling more angry and frustrated than ever. How cavalier Mr. Gonzalez thinks he is. Sitting with his chin cupped in his hand while citizens spoke to him regarding the tax increase. I'm so sorry you are bored by your own constituents Mr. Gonzalez. Citizen of Chicago Heights need to wake up, take notice and TAKE ACTION. What I found most appalling is no input from residents was allowed after discussing the refinancing of the bond. WHAT??? In the long run it will cost the city 29 million to refinance this bond...but what you say we're only concerned with short term. Yes, that is a fact, because they will keep kicking the can down the street (refinancing) until they hit a brick wall and it has to be paid. Some fancy foot work was done too...move $500,000 from corporate funding to Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund to make it appear the fund is balanced. That's garbage. How soon will city hall be dipping into that? What then? It's a very sad and dire situation.

What I found most grievous is the alderman from the wealthiest area of the city is the only one who voted "no" for the tax increase and the bond refinance. Other alderman spoke of the wonderful outpouring for "adopt-a-family" events, but had the audacity to give it to their constituents again by voting "yes" for a bond refinance (that by the way cost the city of $600,000 up front) and a tax hike. Outside the chambers is a Christmas tree full of "wishes" from the elderly: $20 to help with a medical co-pay; $15 to help with food, etc. Small amounts, yes, but not to the people who need them. It is very clear that Mr. Gonzalez and most of the Aldermen are not interested in what is best for the citizens of Chicago Heights, but what is best for their own agendas.

I also dare to disagree with Mr. Gonzalez's statement that the water in Chicago Heights is not "levied" (taxed). What is that $8 customer service fee PLUS the $25+ community service fee? A BIG FAT TAX. I don't care what you want to call it, a rose by any other name is still a rose.

I have been out of this town for over 20 years...it was bad then, it is clearly worse now. Back then, the shenanigans were cloaked, now they are done it broad daylight....where is the outrage from those that remain? How can any community, much less one as impoverished as da Heights, allow this type of ham-fisted increase? Look around you....the only "ethnic whites" that are staying in town are those who are feeding at the public trough. How many stay once they qualify for pensions? See how many flee to Mokena, Frankfort or Crown Point. These are the ones who should speak up, yet they are only biding their time, pretending to go along with the current regime. The whole set up is a joke and in the end everyone except the hinge heads and the "New Supreme Leader" are gonna get screwed. I'll just observe and laugh at you rubes!

@exheights...your comment regarding "ethnic whites" is more than offensive. While I don't feel the need to divulge my race or ethnicity I will to make my point. I'm a caucasian of German descent. I am fighting tooth and nail for better government and policy in this town. Rome was not built in a day. I find your bigotry more than glaring in your statement. Please do not stand by and mock those of us who are trying to make a better place to live and work with your arrogance.

...and MrsR, you do NOT make your point (well) and I take great offense to your incorrect understanding of what a "bigot" is....look it up, I made no slur or insult. Just because I said "white" you flipped out.
Now I understand really why da Heights is the way it is.....the group in control is fleecing you and you think that this is some sort of game....these guys are going to roll all over you as you pretend this is a debate on NPR.
Get tough, get smart or quit complaining!

MrsR: while I disagree, I respect your opinion. I hope that you voiced your concerns at the meeting, and if so I applaud your participation. What I don't like and dot engage in are the personal attacks. If you seek to be taken seriously, I suggest staying focused on issues. It seems that the mayor and treasurer have been focused like a laser beam on keeping the property tax increase to a minimum, and they deserve credit.

Mr. Amos, I obviously don't know the answers to your questions and neither do you. As someone else suggested, get involved or stop the crying!

I also would add that I think Mr. Deabel's vote was politically motivated, moreso than the mayor's proposal.

Politically motivated? Are you kidding me??? How so? It was very apparent that it was a "done deal" long before any meeting was held. In fact, Mr. Gonzalez never said "when we vote on the levy" he said several times "when the levy is passed." I'm not giving credit to anyone who cannot structure a budget within the means available. I would love to get a 10% pay raise and then another 1.5% less than a year later. Regarding Mr. Amos' question to you (several times), Winston, he specifically asked why we need an assistant chief of staff, what are city employees' salaries and why is someone on the staff to do marketing at the same time a marketing firm is being used? YOU HAVE NEVER ADDRESSED THOSE QUESTIONS WINSTON.

how effing stupid you are, heights people....you lay back and take this crap and hope that you find a knight that will advance your adgenda. It won't happen..........give it up until you find a person who will do what is right.....I don't know who, but this guy who obviously got picked on as a kid because he was a fat ass dork is not your great hope....find someone who really cares about the city.

Chicago Heights owes $35 million in debt, millions more than 206, despite a property tax levy that is 32% higher than 206's.

Great job Josh,I can see 1 person read the agenda before voting. It was voted on before this meeting.

All of this falls on deaf ears. Until a news station,or a major newspaper runs a story on this so that the people can see what is going on,by that time the city will be in a deeper hole than it already is.

Let's not forget the Committee for Better Government...

Winston seems to be having a rough time disputing facts, he's been very quiet

Just enjoying my holidays, and the tears of a few residents who don't understand how government works.

Yes Winston is correct. How the goverment cheats,and steals from the people that pay them. I guess we don't understand Winston expand on that. Once again what has the Mayor done so far,besides increase jobs,bring political friends in and develop jobs that aren't needed?

Jason, we have another person who hasn't got the testicular fortitude to use his name just a foolish cartoon super hero.

"That way the rest of the residents don't have to listen to you guys whine!"

You are not listening to a post. You are reading it. You chose to come in here and read it. If you don't want to "listen" to it, then "have the balls and move out if you don't like it here."

Anyone know a university that grants a degree in politics? Does Quinn have a degree in accounting? Obama? Lincoln? Washington? They don't, so they should all shut their mouths, or should have shut them.

Imagine the American Revolution if someone has stood up in that hot, humid hall and yelled:"if you don't like (the thirteen states as they are), why are you still here???? grow up, stop complaining and move out and find a better place"

Heights democracy at its core. Honor King David or face exile.

I'm guessing another political puppet.