CHICAGO (WLS) — There are new questions on Tuesday about how taxpayers could be impacted by the so-called “mega-projects” bill.

Lawmakers this week are finalizing the bill, which would provide tax breaks for developers of big projects, including a new Bears stadium.

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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is hoping a new report will give lawmakers something to think about as they work on the bill that could determine if the Bears stay in Illinois or move across the border to Indiana.

The Bears’ campaign for a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights hinges on legislative support for a bill that would provide them with property tax certainty over the next 40 years.

“It’s a complicated situation, because it’s not finalized, and there are hundreds of unanswered questions in this, but the primary question is, ‘What happens to Joe Homeowner?’ And there’s no fiscal impact study here,” Pappas said.

So, researchers from Pappas’ office looked into what impact the “mega-projects” bill would have, asking the question: How will taxpayers benefit if there’s no expansion of the property tax base and only limited sales tax benefit?

Their report says the tax on the current undeveloped property in Arlington Heights was $3.6 million in 2024.

Under the “mega-projects” bill, the tax would be frozen at that level with annual increase based on inflation. It would be coupled with a special annual payment to local taxing bodies estimated to be around $10 million.

Based on the estimated value of a new stadium, the Bears would get an annual tax break of $39 million.

Pappas’ message to Springfield is, “Put the brakes on and say, ‘What’s the fiscal impact, and what does that mean?’ That means, how much is the homeowner going to have to pick up if somebody gets a billion-and-a-half tax break?”

Before the end of the legislative session on Sunday night, lawmakers are trying to balance helping the Bears and taxpayers to avoid the possibility that the team gives up on Arlington Heights and instead leaves Soldier Field for the offer from Indiana to build a stadium in Hammond, which is the only other site the team says it is considering.

“The real comparison is between a negotiated payment on a real development versus zero taxes on a vacant or stalled site. I wish someone would do a report on that, because that’s the real question for Illinois people, Illinois taxpayers, to have to answer,” said Illinois state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago.

The governor’s office reiterated on Tuesday that his goal is to pass something that encourages large developments and protects the taxpayers.

While the clock is ticking for lawmakers to revise and pass a megaprojects bill, in Springfield terms, there always seems to be enough time to get done the things that need to get done.

THORNTOWN, Ind. (WISH) — Residents of Thorntown were asked to evacuate Tuesday following an anhydrous ammonia spill.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office said the spill happened in the northwest part of rural Thorntown.

“If you are at the Old Mill Run trailer park, please evacuate,” the alert from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office said.

Anhydrous ammonia is widely used as a fertilizer and a refrigerant.

Thorntown Sugar Creek Fire Department posted to Facebook Tuesday night, saying that Thorntown Fire Department and Thorntown police are currently “on scene of an anhydrous tank leak Northwest of Thorntown.”

“It is currently settling in low areas and drifting towards town,” the post read.

TFD says if you notice “an ammonia odor,” leave the area.

“We expect a mild odor to extend to town however it is safest to leave if you start smelling it.
Anhydrous is attracted to water and low areas. If you observe a fog/cloud or strong odor immediately exit the area. If you begin experiencing any concerning health issues we have additional Witham Medics staged in town.”

TFD says that with any hazmat incident, it can evolve. Residents are asked to “be ready to leave if needed.”

Officials said if you or a loved one is experiencing breathing issues or any other symptoms, call 911 for treatment.

The opening round of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Boys State Golf Tournaments took place on Tuesday in three classes of action.

Class 3A, Class 2A and Class 1A compete in the spring, as Class 4A crowned individual and team champions this past fall.

Defending Class 3A individual state champion Parker Rodgers of Nevada is out to a strong start, firing a round of 3-under at Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo, Iowa, to take the early lead. Rodgers sits two shots ahead of Spirit Lake’s Jaizik Miller.

Rodgers, a junior who shot a two-round total of 7-under last year, four birdies and an eagle, carding a three on the par-5 sixth.

Jamin Colvin from Ballard is third at even-par as two others are at 1-over and four more at 2-over heading into Wednesday.

The team standings are packed at the top, as Knoxville, Ballard and North Polk all shot the same score and are tied for the lead. Atlantic and MOC-Floyd Valley are each just a shot back, with Solon sitting three back of first.

Trey Swanson Leads After Opening Round Of Class 2A

Junior Trey Swanson from Rock Valley holds the overnight lead in Class 2A, as he fired a round of 2-under at South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo, Iowa. A shot back of Swanson is McGavin Smith from West Beanch, as both Benny Waller of Aplington-Parkersburg and Judd Jirovsky of Grundy Center are tied or third at 1-over.

Waller was an all-state basketball player this past winter while Jirovsky earned honors on the football field and is committed to Stanford University to continue his golf career.

Waterloo Columbus Catholic holds a two-stroke advantage in the Class 2A team race over Rock Valley, as Unity Christian and Grundy Center are tied for third, eight shots back.

Defending Class 1A State Champion Faces Deficit

Keith Thompson of Hamburg, the two-time defending Class 1A individual state champion, is a shot back after 18 holes of competition. Thompson fired a 1-under to finish second heading into Wednesday, as East Marshall’s Cody Weaver is first.

Weaver, also a senior, carded a 3-under that included five birdies at Westwood Golf Course in Newton, Iowa.

Drew Henderson of North Union and freshman Sid Hesse of South Winneshiek are tied for third at 1-over.

Harris-Lake Park holds the team lead by three shots over both Boyden-Hull and South Winneshiek.

Complete results and live scoring can be found online at both the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa PGA Junior websites.