On Nov. 17 the Finance & Purchasing Committee recommended that the City Council determine a proposed aggregate tax levy for tax year 2025 of $34,581,683, with a total levy of $37,270,341 inclusive of debt service. Staff emphasized the proposal reflects a 0% increase from the city’s portion of the levy—Waukegan’s sixth consecutive year at a 0% city levy—while the total dollar figure includes debt service and abated bond obligations.

Finance staff explained that some general obligation bond principal and interest are paid from other sources (for example, abatements funded with home‑rule sales tax) and that the $2.688 million difference cited by staff represents debt service included on the total levy. Aldermen asked clarifying questions about the distinction between the aggregate levy and the total levy and how abatements affect future tax bills.

Councilors also discussed a separate inducement resolution that would keep open an 18‑month window to consider issuing bonds (up to $10.5 million) to address outstanding matters related to wrongful-conviction payments and other liabilities. Staff characterized the inducement as non‑binding: it preserves the city’s option to evaluate bonding later but would not obligate issuance. Aldermen raised concerns about timing and voter perceptions; staff said any bond issuance would require future Council action.

The committee recorded a roll call in favor of the proposed levy determination. The City Council is scheduled to take final action to adopt the tax levy at its Dec. 15, 2025 meeting.