City Finances
The next Council will be faced with replenishing the City’s Reserve Fund and finding new solutions to create a budget that reflects Evanston’s priorities. Ann successfully advocated removing an additional $500,000 from the general fund which slashed the recommended tax hike increase for the 2021 Budget from 5% to 1%. After arguing that residents were struggling with the Coronavirus pandemic and resulting recession, Ann supported postponing the purchase of equipment and tapping the city's "Rainy Day" fund. She also stressed the need for the police union to join the city's other organized groups in agreeing to cost-cutting measures.
In October 2019, the 91-unit Homestead Hotel, 1625 Hinman, sold for almost $11 million —resulting in a 44% increase under the new progressive tax.
In response to a planned increase to the real estate transfer tax on all properties, Ann proposed an innovative solution for an Illinois municipality—a progressive real estate transfer tax. The proposed graduated tax, with no change to residential and commercial properties valued below $1.5 million, was put to the voters via referendum in 2018. The referendum passed 52% to 48% and has generated an additional $2 per $1000 on properties valued over $1,500,000 and an additional $4 per $1000 on properties over $5 million.
Ann has asked City Council to require Northwestern University reimburse the city the more than $658,000 for fire services and rescue calls by city first responders in 2019. Although the university is exempt from property taxes under their state charter, they are not exempt from payment for services. As the city faces budget challenges, Ann is working to push the city to secure an agreement for Northwestern to pay fire and rescue services. To be very blunt, the only thing preventing this fee being charged to Northwestern is the will of City Council. Ann needs the support of four other aldermen to pass this change.
