Tuesday, May 29, 2007
CBS2
by Dana Kozlov

(CBS) CHICAGO He promised he wouldn't do it, but Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is now on record as saying he might consider a property tax hike to balance the next budget.

As CBS 2’s Dana Kozlov reports, that could affect millions of people and some commissioners are calling the suggestion outrageous.

"I think we're about to see a revolt,” said Commissioner Larry Suffredin (D-13th).

That's the path Suffredin fears residents are on, especially now that Stroger has hinted at a property tax hike.

"There's no confidence in this government today. And I don't know what he wants the money for,” Suffredin said.

Stroger made the comments last weekend in response to questions about the county's fiscal health. Those comments have angered a group of commissioners, even some, like Suffredin, who once backed Stroger and now believe the president is trading county and taxpayer well-being for cronyism and political patronage.

"Absolutely outrageous when you consider all of the cost of living increases -- gas, natural gas, electric rate,” said Commissioner Tony Peraica (R-16th).

In a statement, Stroger’s office would now only say "The 2008 budget process will begin in the fall and we will be discussing with the commissioners all options and how to best balance the budget at that time."

But Peraica says the time to take action is now, and plans to call a no-confidence vote about Stroger at next week's board meeting.

Commissioner and Stroger critic Forrest Claypool (D-12th) says such a vote is meaningless, but adds, “He is the president of the board and we have to deal with him, but we have a responsibility as commissioners to stand up to him."

Not everyone disagrees with Stroger. Commissioner Robert Steele says the board should consider every revenue option next fall, and that includes a property tax hike.

This talk comes as a property tax cap is about to expire in Springfield, which, combined with a possible county property tax increase, could mean a major hit for homeowners.