Cook County Hospitals System Preliminary Budget gets Cook County Board Approval

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - September 12, 2018

What the Board Decided:
The following Items were approved: 

• Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS) Preliminary Budget (Agenda Item 18-1619) 
• Contract Compliance Proposal to create a Small Business Commission (Agenda Item 18-4541)
• Report of the Bureau of Technology - IT Consolidation Report (Agenda Item 18-4828)
• An Amendment to the Ordinance that established the CCHHS Board dealing with the scope and distribution of clinical services that require approval or notification to President and the Cook County Board (Agenda Item 18-1126)
• Independent Auditor’s report of the financial statements of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County for period ended on 11/30/2017 (Agenda Item 18-4734)
• An Ordinance preventing the detention of juveniles under the age of 13 (Agenda Item 18-4955

The following item was referred to committee:

• Ordinance Amendment on IT Consolidation was referred to the Technology and Innovation Committee (Agenda Item 18-5634)

The following items were Deferred:

• Proposed Ordinance Amendment of CC Board of Review Operation and Administrative Fund was deferred again as done on July 25.(Agenda Item 16-6437)
• Creating a Bulk User Fee for the Board of Review (Agenda Item 18-5013).  
• Propose that Commissioners create a preference for businesses owned by people with disabilities under Procurement Ordinance (Agenda Item 18-4162). 

The following item was Withdrawn

• Authorization for the Office of the County Clerk to purchase election equipment from Dominion Voting Systems.(Agenda Item 18-2409)

Other Observations  

• Before the Board Meeting I observed the last quarter hour of the Budget Meeting where Dr. Jay Shannon spoke about the CCHHS.  Their aim is to “save lives while saving money”.  He spoke for the approval of 18-1619--specifically the needs for continued modest gains and equipment upgrades.  The CCHHS provides 50% of charity care in Cook County.  Commissioner Gainer inquired about the turnover.  Dr. Shannon replied that it is between 5 to 8 % monthly. 
• Regarding 18-2409 Election Equipment, the Clerk’s office is working to diminish threats to elections.  They are aiming for the highest quality for the lowest price.  There will be an eventual staged rollout.  “You can’t have all new equipment at once.” 

 Observer - Jill Althage                                     Meeting Length - 1 hour and 20 minutes (11:10am to 12:30pm)