But as the economy tanked, taxpayers tightening their belts wanted to see elected leaders doing the same — not raising their taxes. As the 2010 election neared, county commissioners who feared a revolt rolled back the sales tax increase by half a penny. It wasn’t enough to save Stroger in his bid for re-election.

Preckwinkle vowed — and won enough votes from the County Board — to cut what remained of the sales tax increase by 2013 and then reined in spending to make that happen. Another quarter penny of the sales tax increase was rolled back on Jan. 1, with the final quarter penny to be rescinded next Jan. 1.

Some other county elected leaders have balked at her proposed cuts — gnashing their teeth over the fact that she’s not their boss but still holds the purse strings.

Beyond the projected loss in sales tax revenues, the health and hospital system has been running in the red in recent years. While some county officials say that fiscal management is improving, they’re still not in the clear. One observer said the state’s cigarette tax increase may have an impact, too, leaving only a few ashes in county coffers.

In the 2011 budget year, Preckwinkle’s budget team worked to erase a $487 million shortfall and this year they’ve worked to fill a $315 million hole.

Preckwinkle’s staff was tight-lipped on Tuesday, declining to talk until she lays out the numbers during a Wednesday morning news conference.