Preckwinkle proposes no new taxes in 2025 county budget

COOK COUNTY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - In what she calls a “good news” plan, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has unveiled her proposed 2025 budget.

The proposal is a $9.9  billion budget, about $628 million more than the county’s 2024 budget.

“There are no new taxes, fines or fees in this budget,” Preckwinkle said.

The majority of which President Preckwinkle said will go towards operation related expenses.

There are also plans to invest in renewable energy, public safety, opioid use treatment and, as Tom Lynch with the Bureau of Technology explained, generative AI.

“Our intention is to use it to augment, not replace humans. We are being very careful to ensure that we minimize any disruption in that sense,” Lynch said.

Other highlights include the elimination of nearly 60 vacant positions, some extra disaster and recovery relief funds and more American Rescue Plan community program funding.

A vote on the budget is set for November 21.

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