Posted by John Byrne at 2:28 p.m.
Mayor Richard Daley said today that he will not propose a property tax increase as part of next year’s city budget.
But Daley said unspecified fee increases and service cuts remain on the table to balance the budget, describing those steps as "a last resort." Service cuts could be permanent, or last " a year or two," Daley said.
"We’re living in austere financial times in America," Daley said during a speech to the City Club of Chicago.
Daley also said new city beautification efforts will be put on hold, saving $4 million. Existing planters and trees will be maintained, but new ones will not be installed, he said.
A new program for city workers to get prescription drugs will save the city $12 million, Daley said.
Daley refused to comment on his re-election plans for next year during a question and answers session following his speech, urging attendees to participate in state and national elections that are coming up in November.