County committee advances bill despite Southland objection

The Cook County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, March 14, approved an ordinance amendment that south suburban officials believe will have a devastating effect on the local economy.  “It’s just very disappointing,” Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld said. The amendment requires any business receiving a Class 6b, Class 8 or Class 9 property tax incentive to pay construction contractors a “prevailing wage." Under Illinois law, public bodies hiring contractors for similar work pay that rate, which is set by the Illinois Department of Labor. The county's property tax incentives are intended to help towns attract business . . .