Emanuel proposes fees, combining police, fire HQ

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the city can’t afford its old ways.

Emanuel unveiled his administration’s first budget Wednesday to tackle the city’s $636 million deficit.

He says politics has stood in the way of making tough decisions. But he says the cost of putting “political choices ahead of practical solutions” is something the city can no longer afford.

Emanuel’s plan on Wednesday included new fees, consolidating police and fire headquarters and reducing library hours to save money. He also wants to raise the hotel tax and add a $2-a-day downtown congestion fee on weekdays for downtown parking garages and lots.

The former White House chief of staff didn’t propose a property tax increase. Emanuel’s budget will need the blessing of the 50-member Chicago City Council.