Cook County Board Approves Increase in Juror Pay to $30/Day

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
March 17, 2022

The Board Approved:

• The Board amended an ordinance increasing jurors’ pay to $30 per day, plus $5 per day for travel expenses. This ordinance goes into effect June 1, 2022. (Agenda Item 22-2202)

• The Board approved a contract amendment for the Justice Advisory Council to increase funding by $1.8M to provide housing services for individuals on Electronic Monitoring with No Place to Stay. (Agenda item -  22-1996)
• The Board approved a resolution in support of the Illinois Clean Tech Economy Coalition (CTEC) to pursue the EDA’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge application to receive a federal grant of $2.5 M over 4 years. This $2.5 M is 24% of the proposed $10.2 M project. (Agenda Item 22-2290)

The Board Referred: 

• Evergreen Redevelopment LLC is requesting a HOME Investment Partnership Program loan of $1.25 M to finance the development of Bellwood Senior Apartments, an affordable senior housing project of 80 units. The Board referred to the Business and Economic Development Committee. (Agenda Item 22-2328)

Other Items of Interest:

• The League of Women Voters submitted a written comment that was added to the public record about the 4th quarter Independent Inspector General (IIG) report. The letter thanks Pres. Preckwinkle for her letter to the South Cook Mosquito Abatement Board trustees supporting the IIG’s recommendations, including that the trustees resign. The letter also urges the Commissioners to send a clear message that all departments and officials should be timely in responding to the IIG’s recommendations as required under the County’s ordinances. (Agenda Item 22-1760)
• Cook County has held a contest for a new flag to represent Cook County. The winning design will be the official banner of Cook County Government. Referred to legislation committee. The six finalist flags can be seen HERE
• The Board approved a resolution in support of Ukraine. The Ukrainian flag will be raised in Daley Plaza where it will remain until 3/31/22. (Agenda Item 22-2306)

Observer:  Amber L Elmer

Cook County Board Committee Reports
March 15 & 16
Health and Hospitals Committee:

• Although vaccination and boosters are still the primary push of the County (particularly in low-vaccination areas such as the Southland), more focus is being put on treatments for COVID-19. These treatments include monoclonal IV, oral antiviral, prescription pills, and injections pre-exposure for high risk populations. They are available throughout the County, however a lack of knowledge about these treatments by patients, doctors, and clinic staff is making these more difficult to use—particularly since many need to be prescribed within 5-10 days of symptoms.

Finance Committee:

• There was a long discussion among commissioners regarding 4 Debt Collection Services contracts (Agenda Item 22-1121). Concern was expressed about the quality of work previously done by one of the MWBE subcontractors—Wm. Everett Group. This contract failed to be deferred for more discussion and information in a tie vote. This was eventually approved by the committee to go on to the full Board Thursday.
• CFO Rizki showed a summary (Agenda Item 22-1626) of 20 new transformational (long term) programs using the ARPA money the County received. These programs include behavioral health, climate resiliency and flooding, transportation and digital equity, and crime victim support. These add $35 million for a total of $320 million to be spent over the next few years. Concern was expressed by some that if these programs become permanent, there will need to be increased taxes to maintain them. CFO Rizki stated that expenditures will need to be approved by the Board and reports will be presented to the Board. There will be continual evaluation and feedback of these programs. Performance metrics will be set and audits will be done on the programs.
• A 25-year contract with Branded Cities Co. for 30 electronic billboards along county roads and highways was approved by this committee (Agenda Item 21-3875). There is no cost to the County and the contract includes 47% MWBE construction contracts. An eventual 50/50 split of advertising revenue between the County and Branded Cities will occur.

Observer: Karin Hribar