Cook County shoppers will see some savings on their purchases starting today.
The final one-quarter percent of an infamous sales tax increase has been rolled back.
It was championed by former Cook County board president Todd Stroger in 2008, giving Chicago the highest combined sales tax rate of any large city in the nation.
But, some county costs are going up in the next few months.
Taxes will increase for smokers, gun buyers and, people who make large out-of-county purchases.
In Chicago, water bills will rise significantly in the new year and property taxes will go up.
Parking meter rates will jump, for a fifth year in a row.
And speed cameras will start fining fast drivers near schools and parks.
Meanwhile, a new city electricity bulk-purchasing plan is expected to reduce rates by about $20 dollars a month for the average household from February through May.
For a full list of new laws, download the PDF below courtesy of Illinois Senate President John Cullerton:
7 Comments to “New year, new fees”
January 1, 2013 at 1:31 PM
I've avoid Krook Kounty for years and will continue to for the very reasons listed here.
January 1, 2013 at 4:47 PM
Because of your poor grammar?
January 1, 2013 at 5:48 PM
This is crazy! Its too much to live in Chicago! They want to raise taxes, but how is anymore going to pay it, if people are already struggling to pay for rent, utilities, car payments, school fees & medical bills! Also the public transportation should've just stay the same, why should anyone pay for crappy service! The buses are never on time, and the trains smell and look like crap. Its just not fair for the people in Chicago to pay for ridicules and unnecessary taxes! Everyone in Chicago are hurting with money already, expect those that are wealthy. Its hard enough already, when most people are unemployed!!
January 1, 2013 at 7:09 PM
Umm… The article is about lowering taxes. You didn't read it , did you?
January 17, 2013 at 12:27 PM
While I understand your frustration, I should say that unemployment is at about 8-9%. That means that over 90% of the people who want to work, are employed. So, saying that “most people are unemployed” is factully incorrect.
January 1, 2013 at 5:51 PM
This is crazy! Its too much to live in Chicago! They want to raise taxes, but how is anyone going to pay it, if people are already struggling to pay for rent, utilities, car payments, school fees & medical bills! Also the public transportation should've just stay the same, why should anyone pay for crappy service! The buses are never on time, and the trains smell and look like crap. Its just not fair for the people in Chicago to pay for ridicules and unnecessary taxes! Everyone in Chicago are hurting with money already, except those that are wealthy. Its hard enough already, when most people are unemployed!! *******
January 1, 2013 at 8:35 PM
this the very reason i do not live in chicago anymore i couldn't make it here not on my owni am co happy in ohio ecerythimg is cheaper here10.00 for a one day hell the crack heads won't be able to afford that now