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Committee discusses renewing City Hall office lease for Waukegan Chamber of Commerce at $10 per year
Summary
The committee debated a proposed short-term lease addendum letting the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce continue using a small City Hall office for up to two years at a nominal $10-per-year rate; members split over whether the city should provide free space while revenues are down.
The Waukegan Finance and Purchasing Committee on Monday held a discussion-only item on an addendum to a short-term lease that would allow the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce to continue using office space in Waukegan City Hall through Dec. 31, 2027, at a stated cost of $10 per year.
Committee members questioned the arrangement’s precedent and timing amid reported declines in local sales, food and beverage, and hotel taxes. Supporters said the chamber provides a visible, public-facing link between businesses and the city.
Alderman Felix moved to open discussion; Alderman Bolton seconded. No committee vote was taken; the item remained discussion-only.
Alderman Guzman said the space was initially intended to be temporary and argued against renewing the arrangement while the city’s commercial revenue is under pressure: “So right now, we really, really have to watch ourselves on what, we're spending and giving out. So I think this is we should not be doing this right now.”
Alderman Hayes, who is not on the committee but was recognized, added: “I don't think that the city should be in the business of giving things away, whether that's office space or it's money. A Chamber of Commerce should be public facing…we have plenty of vacant storefronts and … even upstairs offices where they can advertise their services.”
By contrast, Alderman Martinez said the chamber’s presence in City Hall aids city events and public-facing work: “I think we need to have them with us, because they're affiliated with the city, and it gives the city a good look.” Alderman Bolton also said the chamber “is the link between business our businesses as well as the city.”
A city attorney told the committee the actual market rate for comparable rentable space was not available at the meeting and offered to obtain comparables from area realtors for committee members to review.
No formal vote or lease approval was recorded during the committee meeting.
