# Committee on Budget and Government Operations meeting, September 9, 2025

- When: Tue, Sep 9, 2025, 10:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Budget and Government Operations](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/budget-and-government-operations)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8925576?video=1116258362
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1116258362.txt) (33,368 words, automatic captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The Committee on Budget and Government Operations opened its first midyear budget hearings, a series of sessions held under an ordinance passed with the 2025 budget, after two public commenters spoke. The budget director reported revenues running about 5.2 percent above budget through July, but a projected $146 million deficit for 2025 driven largely by uncertainty over CPS reimbursement of municipal pension contributions; the CFO described new state pension legislation for police and fire funds and recent bond sales, and the comptroller reviewed Department of Finance collections, parking enforcement and debt relief programs. Members asked about OPSA's medical unit, the Ernst and Young efficiency report, police settlement costs, Finance General, the hiring freeze, fund balance, TIF surplus, flood relief funds, parking enforcement staffing, the grocery tax and contractor oversight. In the afternoon the committee questioned the Department of Human Resources on time to hire and the hiring freeze, and the Department of Procurement Services on savings, local hiring preferences, vendor payment timing, certification capacity and contract enforcement. No votes were taken other than remote participation motions, and the committee recessed until Wednesday.

Topics: 2025 midyear budget, 2025 deficit forecast, pension obligations, CPS pension reimbursement, Ernst and Young report, hiring freeze, parking enforcement, flood relief funding, procurement and contracting, time to hire

### Agenda items discussed

- [14:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=879) Public comment
- [24:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=1453) Motions to allow remote participation under Rule 59: passed
- [24:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=1495) Midyear budget hearing: Office of Budget and Management, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller: discussed
- [3:09:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=11347) Midyear budget hearing: Department of Human Resources: discussed
- [3:36:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=12965) Midyear budget hearing: Department of Procurement Services: discussed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Jason C. Ervin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/28) (chair): Asked the budget director to explain how departments can exceed an individual line appropriation while staying within the function's total, using overtime as an example. ([1:00:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=3654)); Said state law may limit where speed cameras can be placed and how their revenue can be used, and asked for clarification. ([1:08:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4126)); Said the Ernst and Young report was commissioned by the administration and the committee would consult the Law Department on what Council is entitled to receive. ([1:19:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4781))
- [Samantha Nugent](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/39) (alderperson): Asked how many positions are funded by ARPA and will lose funding after December 31. ([47:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=2844)); Asked whether there is data showing OPSA saves money and said it should be disbanded if it does not show a return on investment. ([48:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=2933)); Asked when Council can see the full report Ernst and Young prepared for the city. ([52:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=3121))
- [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (alderperson): Asked that midyear reports break out revenues and expenditures by source and account rather than rolled-up categories, and asked about the ERP system timeline. ([55:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=3314)); Asked where money comes from to pay police misconduct settlements that exceed the amount appropriated. ([57:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=3427)); Asked for line-item detail on what is funded through Finance General. ([59:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=3560))
- [Bennett R. Lawson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/44) (alderperson): Asked whether declining sales tax revenue could be broken down by industry, including restaurant taxes. ([1:02:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=3776)); Asked which revenue sources are well above or below expectations. ([1:04:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=3872)); Asked for an estimate of new property added to the tax rolls this year. ([1:06:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=3994))
- [Raymond A. Lopez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/15) (alderperson): Asked why only 23 percent of allotted expenditures had been spent by May 31 and whether departments will rush to spend later in the year. ([1:10:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4230)); Asked for the total salary value of the 3,717 vacancies and the cost of persistent vacancies. ([1:14:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4472))
- [Brendan Reilly](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/42) (alderperson): Asked whether Council will receive the original, unredacted Ernst and Young report before the administration filters it, noting it was paid for with taxpayer funds. ([1:15:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4553)); Asked the chair to provide the full committee and Council the unfiltered report, saying good ideas could otherwise be left out. ([1:18:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4716)); Asked whether a state legislative fix is needed so CPS must pay its share of municipal pension contributions, and whether it will be pursued in the veto session. ([1:20:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4845))
- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (alderperson): Asked about the savings from the hiring freeze. ([1:24:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=5041)); Asked about the current level of rainy day reserves. ([1:24:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=5072)); Asked how a larger TIF surplus sweep would affect development projects. ([1:27:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=5256))
- [Gregory I. Mitchell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/7) (alderperson): Asked for the status of federal flood relief funds from the 2023 and 2024 floods. ([1:39:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=5979)); Said residents have waited since 2023 for flood relief, living with mold, and that the delay in the contract review is unacceptable. ([1:42:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=6142)); Asked how much the procurement cost-cutting initiative has saved and for contracting data by ethnicity. ([3:41:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=13295))
- [Nicole T. Lee](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/11) (alderperson): Asked what happens to unspent encumbrances at year end. ([1:45:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=6345)); Asked which job categories are exempt from the hiring freeze and whether the deficit forecast assumes those hires. ([1:46:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=6380)); Asked how many TIFs expire this year and requested a forecast of remaining expiring TIF funds. ([1:48:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=6488))
- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (alderperson): Asked why the city's cash and cash equivalents fell from $2.7 billion at the end of 2023 to $1.5 billion at the end of 2024. ([1:51:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=6668)); Asked whether the city has drawn down its rainy day fund in the past 12 to 18 months. ([1:52:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=6754)); Asked about the pilot to route 911 parking calls to parking enforcement aides, calling it an efficiency, and what impediments exist. ([1:53:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=6783))
- [Nicholas Sposato](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/38) (alderperson): Asked how much additional revenue came from the 20 parking enforcement aides added last year and said more are needed. ([2:00:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7230)); Suggested each ward be assigned a designated parking enforcement aide to address truck and permit parking problems. ([2:02:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7372))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Urged departments to have staff ready with answers during budget hearings rather than deferring questions. ([2:06:21](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7581)); Asked how much of the $82 million housing and economic development bond has been committed and requested a breakdown by ward and project. ([2:07:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7629)); Requested a ward-by-ward breakdown of residents and dollar amounts in debt relief programs. ([2:11:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7889))
- [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (alderperson): Said residents oppose the grocery tax and asked for its status, the administration's position, the expected revenue and the deadline for action. ([2:12:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7937))
- [Matthew J. Martin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/47) (alderperson): Requested the city's 50 largest third-party contractors since January 2024, their services, expiring contracts and any single-bidder awards. ([2:15:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=8119)); Asked what checks exist to avoid paying contractors for services also provided in-house, and for detail on Finance General programs. ([2:16:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=8165)); Asked that Ernst and Young's final recommendations be shared with Council by October 15. ([2:16:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=8214))
- [Anthony Beale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/9) (alderperson): Asked how much was set aside for the fire contract settlement and whether it covers the full agreement. ([2:26:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=8806)); Requested a ward-by-ward breakdown of CDOT and Water Management spending, including bond funds. ([2:27:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=8840))

### Exchanges between members

- [1:08:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4126) The chair added to Lawson's question on traffic cameras, noting possible state limits on placement and use of revenue.
- [1:15:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4553) Reilly followed up on Nugent's question about the Ernst and Young report.
- [1:18:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4716) Reilly asked the chair to provide members the unredacted Ernst and Young report.
- [1:19:41](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4781) The chair said the report belongs to the administration and the committee would consult the Law Department on what Council is entitled to.
- [1:19:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=4792) Reilly questioned the chair's view, saying Council approves budgets and the report was paid with public funds.
- [1:46:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=6387) Lee picked up on Dowell's earlier question about the hiring freeze.
- [2:03:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7414) The chair said Sposato raised a good point about parking enforcement.
- [2:05:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7529) The chair referred to La Spata's earlier point about the parking enforcement 911 pilot.
- [2:07:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=7629) Moore followed up on Dowell's question about the housing and economic development bond.
- [2:26:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=8760) The chair agreed with Martin on the need for resources toward performance measurement and efficiency.
- [3:19:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=11962) The chair followed up on Moore's question about the laborer program and the hiring freeze.
- [3:48:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=13681) The chair followed up on Mitchell's question about local hiring preferences.
- [3:56:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=14213) Dowell built on Martin's earlier request for a list of the largest contracts by adding M/WBE data.
- [4:19:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7?t=15592) The chair responded to Vasquez that contracting has generally been found more favorable than in-house staffing for efficiency and execution.

## Documents

- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/30b448db-d102-42d8-a576-82d005c437f8.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/62f4f345-d1b2-42ae-b2a7-c7d8d7f3b272.pdf)

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/01F35564-F788-F011-B4CB-001DD809A4A7 · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt