Cook County Finance Committee Meetings on the Budget
October 26, 2022, 9 am to 2:30 pm

The Sheriff said there should be little impact on the jail population in Cook County as a result of the SAFE-T Act going into effect on January 1, 2023.  The Chief Judge explained the differences between the criteria for holding people in jail prior to trial in criminal cases now and after January 1.  

Following are more details of the meetings with these two officials, as well as the meeting on the Capital Budget.

Office of the Sheriff -– Presented by Sheriff Tom Dart

• Because of the changes in the way bail has been set in Cook County courts since 2018 he expects that the SAFE-T Act will have little impact on the jail population.  Estimated maybe 100 current detainees will have their bail reviewed, and thinks there may be some more people accused of domestic violence ordered detained.
• Says that he still thinks there are more people being released (mainly on electronic monitoring, “EM”) than should be because there is not enough distinction among those charged with gun violations.  (See more on this below in the Chief Judge’s section.)
• Wants to have budget amended to fund purchase of a new helicopter to help in fighting crime across the County.  Says only have 2 now (from 1994 and 2006), with the ability to borrow another from the County’s Homeland Security department at times.  Another helicopter would reduce dangerous, high-speed pursuits.  Contrasted the larger number of helicopters for New York, LA, and Harris County, Texas.  The Budget Department is analyzing the request and looking where money could be found.
• Explained that jail population has changed.  Majority now are there accused of violent crimes, rather than substance abuse, as in the past.  Many of the past efforts and programs were directed to helping those released from jail to successfully go back to their communities.  Now, however, most of the detainees are leaving the jail after trial to go to prison and not back to the community.
• Says that 2 main proximate causes of violence now are (1) availability of guns, and (2) social media where people’s rhetoric escalates and there is no cooling off period.  (These causes apart from all the social issues.)
• In addition to policing the unincorporated areas and Robbins and Ford Heights, and providing services for a number of other suburbs pursuant to agreements, the Sheriff has focused on violence in Chicago.  Since opening an office in Austin on the west side of Chicago, there has been a 20% reduction in shootings in that neighborhood.  More recently, opened an office at 500 N. Clark, and will be moving into larger quarters at State and Chicago.  Besides providing a police presence, also have a unit to deal with homelessness, another to deal with people in crisis, and a K-9 unit to help patrol El platforms.  Roll call for eviction and service of process has been moved from the Daley Center to Chinatown to provide a greater police presence there.
• Has about 400 vacancies.  Recently went to Kentucky and North Carolina to recruit military veterans with some success.

Office of the Chief Judge -– Presented by Chief Judge Timothy Evans

• Said that under current law, the State’s Attorney must file a petition to hold a criminal defendant in jail prior to trial.  Then the judge at the bail hearing has to hold there is at least one of these situations to grant the petition: (1) that the proof has to be evident or the presumption is great that the preponderance of the evidence points to the defendants and that they pose a clear and present threat to a person or community and there are no mitigating factors; and/or (2) there is clear evidence the defendants are a flight risk.
• Under the SAFE-T Act, there are certain felonies that are excluded from consideration of the first situation, and in those cases, defendants can only be held if a current flight risk.  The other difference is that if there is a petition to hold, there is a separate hearing on whether to detain presided at by a second judge.
• Responding to Comm. Sean Morrison’s questions, said that approximately 86% of those defendants that go to trial are found guilty.  The average sentence for murder is 35 years.  As a result, the overwhelming number of cases end in a plea deal.  Said would provide data from the last 12 months on the number of murder and attempted murder cases where the charges are downgraded.
• Comm. S. Morrison also provided some statistics from the Sheriff that of the over 2,000 people on electronic monitoring, 970 are accused of gun offenses.  Comm. Morrison asked whether there should be some kind of blue-ribbon commission to review these cases to see if policies regarding electronic monitoring should be changed.  Judge Evans said that many of these defendants are charged with “unlawful use of a gun,” but that charge does not mean that the gun was actually used. It could be that the person had a gun without the proper permit.  So Judge Evans would welcome such a commission and would like to revise the terms used to distinguish among the different situations.
• Because of the Early Resolution Program to help deal with eviction cases, there has been no huge number of evictions as the Judge feared at last year’s budget meeting.  Under this program, there are mediators and legal advisors to work with both sides to try to resolve the situation, including find other housing since in some cases the landlords want to get rid of the tenant as opposed to getting back rent.
• Provided some codes that can be used to generate reports on continuances, including whether the state’s attorney or defense counsel sought them.  Commissioners Miller and Daley noted they have been seeking this information for the last year.  Judge Evans said that his office will work with the Clerk of the Court to add codes for general reasons on why a continuance is sought. Expects to start on this after the Odyssey System is fully operational, which should be by the end of Nov.
• There was discussion concerning confinement/isolation of juveniles at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center.  Commissioner Gainer asked that the following be considered as the policy continues to be fleshed out:  (1) more clarity on how someone ends up in confinement; (2) clear direction that confinement is the last resort; and (3) mental health sign-off by a professional before someone can be confined (like in NY and LA).

Capital Budget Overview – Presented by Acting CFO Lawrence Wilson, Bureau Chief of Asset Management Elizabeth Granato, Director of Transportation Jennifer Killen, and Deputy CIO Adam Clement.

The 2023 Capital Budget is $505.2 M composed of 

• $248.4 M (49.2%) for capital improvements for County facilities; 
• $136.2 M (27%) for County maintained road, bridges, and highways; and 
• $120.6 M (23.8%) for capital equipment for County departments that includes primarily information technology (71% composed of costs for hardware and implementation), plus the remainder for vehicles, fixed plant assets, institutional equipment, furniture, and medical lab equipment.  
• Note:  some of these expenditures show up in the overall budget as expenditures from special purpose funds (including the Transportation and Highways fund), and grants.  As a result, these sources of revenues for capital projects are not included in the Capital Improvement Budget, which is $352.6 M (just about the same as 2022).

Part of the presentation focused on the process of determining how much could be directed to capital projects, including how much debt to incur, as well as how the County prioritizes projects.  The County currently has investment grade bond ratings of A2 from Moody’s; A+ from S&P Global Ratings, and AA- from Fitch Ratings for General Obligation Bonds; and AAA from Kroll Bond Rating Agency and AA- from S&P Global Ratings for Sales Tax Debt. 

Among the projects included in the Capital Budget are

• Renovation and consolidation at the County building, including making the 5th floor Board Room ADA accessible and adding technology improvements (the entire 5th floor, which also houses the President’s and Commissioner’s offices are expected to move to the 10th floor in Nov. or Dec.)
• Major renovations at Stroger Hospital
• Completion of the Court Utilization Study for the civil division (the criminal division has been completed0
• More work on the Integrated Property Tax System
• The State’s Attorney’s Case Management System
• A number of transportation projects
• Continued work as part of the Green Buildings Program, which is reducing the County’s carbon footprint, but also reducing energy costs

​Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board Finance Committee
Departmental Budget Hearings:
October 27, 2021

This report covers the meetings with the Chief Judge and the Land Bank.

Chief Judge presented by Honorable Tim Evans
Proposed 2022 Budget: $287,915,856        2021 Budget: $273,508,315
(2022 includes $1.9 M from American Rescue Plan funds)
Proposed 2022 FTEs: 2,906.6                2021 FTEs: 2,872.6
(2022 includes 29 FTEs from American Rescue Plan funds)

The Chief Judge’s office is the administrative office serving the Circuit Court of Cook County. The office supervises non-judicial employees who provide a wide range of services including judicial support, probation, guardianship, Juvenile Detention, clinical and other support.  

​The Chief Judge stated that the Chief Judges Office is more than hearings in Court and emphasized the good work they are doing with the money that they are given. Some of the highlighted offices under the Chief Judge include:

• Adult and Juvenile Probation-pre- and post-trial activities
• Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (largest in the US)
• Jury Administration
• Children’s Room, place where children can go while their parents are in court
• Restorative Justice Court: there are 4 in Cook County that hear cases for young adults 18-26 that have been charged with non-violent felony or misdemeanors.
• Mental, Drug and Veterans Courts.  There are currently 20 Drug Courts

Chief Judge Evans was very proud of the documentary Any Given Day which is about the Mental Health Court. It won at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Chief Judge Evans will submit 2 amendments to the Chief Judge’s budget:

• The first for Domestic Violence.  He is asking for $2,360,000. This will be used to improve the services at the Domestic Violence Court at 555 E. Harrison, Chicago. The money will be used to support 15 Court coordinators, 5 law Clerks, 40 laptops, Advocates for Elderly Law, Advocates for Disability Law, and advocates to work 24 hours/7 days a week to help make sure orders of protections are provided to those in need. The Sheriff’s Department will provide 12 LEAD Clerks from the LEAD System who will help those seeking Orders of Protection complete the necessary forms and help expedite these orders.  The goal is to provide an Order of Protection to anyone in Cook County who feels they are in a dangerous situation.  The Sheriff’s office may provide some financial support for this amendment. A Committee  was formed in July with Judges and Commissioners Daley, Suffredin, Sims, Deer and Anaya out of concern for how the County is dealing with Domestic Violence.
• The second amendment is to raise the salary of Jurors from $17.20 to $35.00 per day.    Part 2 of this amendment is to increase the hourly rates paid to private attorneys needed to represent indigent people when Public Defenders are not able to represent them due to conflicts of interest. The rate is currently $75 per hour for in Court work and $55 per hour for outside Court Work. Chief Judge would like to double those rates.
• The Commissioners seem to be in favor of the above amendments

Land Bank Authority presented by Eleanor Gorski, Executive Director
Proposed 2022 Budget: 15,020,440            2021 Budget: 15,232,149
Proposed FTEs: 13                        2021 FTES: 12

The Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) will acquire, hold, and transfer interest in real property throughout Cook County to promote redevelopment and reuse of vacant, abandoned, foreclosed, or tax delinquent properties, and support targeted efforts to stabilize neighborhoods.

Executive Director Gorski began her job in August of 2021.

• This is a self-sustaining Authority. No taxpayer subsidy is used to accomplish their mission.
• 408 properties sold in 2021 and 408 properties were acquired
• 1,000 rehabilitated units have been sold with no public financing as affordable housing since 2013 when the CCLBA was established, 218 units rehab so far in 2021. 
• There was one change in their budget. Grant money was reduced from 4.8M to $550,000 due to a MWRD Grant that ended.

CCLBA Outlook for 2022 that will keep administrative costs flat. Some of the highlights include:

• Leverage with partnerships for an increase in economic development
• Scale up affordable housing with focus planning
• Streamline and update Landbank community engagement and public information efforts
• Work smarter with the resources they have
• To provide more transparency there will be an Annual Review that will be posted on their website, www.cookcountylandbank.org 

Commissioner Gainer spoke of the success of the Landbank and was pleased that they reached a milestone of 1,000 units since its inception. 

Observer: Nancy Marcus

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting 
Oct 7, 2021

Attendance:  16 Commissioners present led by President Preckwinkle and  Commissioner Sims

Meeting Highlights:

• Agenda Item 21-5492  Proposed resolution requesting an update on actions to improve access to justice for victims of domestic violence.       Passed               Kate Nolan, staff attorney in the Chief Judge office, reported on the steps being taken to ensure victims of domestic abuse have access to the court system in order to obtain an order of protection.   The court is working with the Clerk of the Court, the Sheriff, and other stakeholders to set up 24/7 access.  The target date is November 8.   A judge will be on call after standard court hours. A remote hearing will be set up.   A person could access the hearing via a phone call.     If a person calls the Illinois Domestic Abuse Hotline, a facilitator would be available to help with a petition for an order of protection.  Judge Evans is also re-establishing the Domestic Violence Court Committee to improve the process in the domestic violence courts.  The committee will include judges, a representative from the president’s office, the Clerk of the Court, the Sheriff, and advocates.  Ms. Nolan will be on the committee and will be the point person for the Commissioners.   She will report back periodically.   The committee will address access to the courts, ease of use of the website, and availability of interpreters.  Each court will have a coordinator to help the petitioner in the process.
• Agenda Item 21-5542  Proposed Resolution to create a special purpose fund for equity and inclusion projects.  Passed        It seeds nearly $100 million to be allocated through November 2022 to address historical disparities and disinvestment in Black and Latinx communities as well as other communities that are marginalized or have experienced other social and economic disparities.

Observed by:  Kathi Graffam                       Meeting Length - 3 hours

Cook County Board Finance Committee Mid-year Budget Hearings
​July 21, 2021
Presentations by the Clerk of the Court, the Chief Judge, Independent Inspector General and Cook County Sheriff

​Commissioner Daley has asked all Elected officials presenting their mid-year budget information to also state what their office/department has learned from the COVID experience over the last year.

Clerk of the Court -  Iris Martinez

• Martinez’ main goal is to do a “comprehensive review of the whole operation” and make changes necessary for more efficiency and transparency.  She wants to “re-establish trust in the office.” 
• Two areas of concern are to complete the transition to the Odyssey Case Management System and to comply with any Shakman hiring issues.  By the end of October, 2021, the case management system transition should be completed and should be certified by the Illinois Supreme Court by January, 2022.  This will provide better access by the public and attorneys.  Hiring will be more transparent in accordance with any Shakman requirements.  Currently 218 more staff (mostly clerks) will be hired in two large groups.  The office will still be understaffed according to the Chief of Staff.
• Some general improvements to come are website improvement, easier access for Domestic Violence victims to get court orders, call center improvements including the calling of defendants to remind them of court dates.
• “Goals” include more e-filings by attorneys (2,200,000) and an increase in the number of cases filed (495,000).  Revenue is 10% higher than expected and expenditures are almost 9% lower than expected.  Much of this has to do with COVID shutdowns of courts and also more efficiency in operations.  Cost savings is a priority for Clerk of the Court Martinez.  More can be done using technology rather than in-person—learned from last year’s experience.

Chief Judge - Tim Evans
Some details from the Chief Judge regarding the current budget year:

• there is a 2% reduction ($5 million) in this year’s budget mostly due to COVID closures— under budget for hiring and contracts
• no jury trials have been held during COVID except for emergencies
• currently there are 76 courtrooms set up for jury trials and 10 for bench trials.  3 ft. social distancing will occur for jury trials  (should start in October)
• the AOIC (Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts) is giving $61 million to the courts—from COVID money at the federal level
• unusual expenses were for Zoom licenses (400) used for hearings
• during the past year, 128,00 “matters” were settled even though courtrooms were basically closed.  This includes 13,000 guilty pleas and bench trials.

Lessons learned from COVID experience:

• in-person court appearances are not needed for discovery,  some hearings; but in-person is required for any situations where “freedom is in jeopardy”

Commissioner Comments:

• Comm. Daley asked about the speedy trial requirement return and how many defendants are waiting. Also the number of defendants on EM or bail that have recommitted serious offenses. This was unclearly explained by Evans, however the gist was that there is “no proof” that the released do more crime.  He indicated that all the information is on his website dashboard.  This is cookcountycourt.org.  Later on it was mentioned that Preckwinkle’s office has a group interviewing Evans, Sheriff Dart, and others to evaluate the EM program.  A report should be released soon.
• Comm. Aguilar contradicted Evans “data” on crimes committed by released defendants and said his community was worried about crime.  Evans replied that all are presumed innocent until convicted.  Aguilar also stated that child support is not being enforced.
• Comm. Johnson was concerned about “isolation” use as a punishment for misbehavior at the JTDC (Juvenile Temporary Detention Center).
• ​Comm. Lowry asked whether the elimination of cash bail will increase court budget/costs.  No clear answer from Evans.
• Comm. Degnan advocated for virtual meetings for domestic violence situations.  This reduces trauma, time, etc. for women asking for court orders.
• Comm. Miller asked about restorative justice courts in the south suburbs.  These will be added soon.  She also asked for data on Veterans and other specialty courts and indicated that many veterans don't know about these specialty courts.
• Comm. S. Morrison questioned the $7 million increase in the budget.  Evans indicated this was needed for Zoom room personnel and other jury services. Evans office currently has 2,550 FTEs and 599 vacancies.  Evans desires a hybrid system using Zoom and in-person in the future. 
• Also asked was what the process is for deciding who gets out on bail, no-bail, or EM (Electronic Monitoring).  Evans said “mitigating circumstances”—presumption of innocence, proof not evident, no clear and present threat, no lengthy criminal record, self-defense, vulnerable to COVID are all reasons someone could be released even though they are accused of a violent or gun crime.  Stated that 1,287 defendants are in jail for murder and less than 100 murder defendants are out on EM.
• The issue of mental illness was brought up with regard to so many defendants needing mental health services.  Morrison advocated that this issue be addressed by the State of Illinois.

Independent Inspector General - Patrick Blanchard

• The office has filled 5 open slots (including promoting 1) and has just 1 unfilled position of the Deputy Inspector General
• Comm. Anaya asked whether the result is improved turn-around time for cases.  IG Blanchard said “yes.”  He reminded the Commissioners that his office has a triage system for determining which potential cases are the most important and which ones have sufficient evidence to warrant going forward.  Last year there were 800 contacts made to his office, and the office also can and does open cases on its own.
• The IG was asked about appeals from the cases included in his quarterly reports.  The IG explained that the office only has the authority to make recommendations to an official or department.  So if someone disagrees with the implementation of the recommendations of the IG, the person needs to contact the applicable department or official.

The Office of the Cook County Sheriff - Deputy Sheriff

• The office began with a presentation on the past and current status of COVID cases within the County Jail, which the office believes has been wrongly depicted as a “hot spot.”  In the Spring of 2020, there were 307 cases, which was 6.9% of the total Jail population, compared to much higher percentages in the general population.  Similarly, the highest number of cases was on December 13, 2020, with 375 inmates testing positive, or 6.8% of the Jail population.  As of July 21, 2021, the 7-day average was only 0.2%, or only 2 positive cases. And these two inmates entered the Jail with COVID.
• Currently, 55% of the Sheriff’s employees are vaccinated, despite many efforts to incentivize the staff to get vaccinated. 61% of the eligible detainees are vaccinated currently.  There is frequent testing of the non-vaccinated.
• The office expects to remain within the 2021 budget, thanks to the funds that came from the Federal government last year and this year.
• 752 detainees have been convicted and should be in the State prison system.  Of these, 394 are eligible for parole hearings, and the Sheriff wants those to take place.  Comm. Daley asked about the dollar amount owed by the State to the County for housing these inmates that have been convicted.  The Sheriff’s Deputy said that the State wants to establish a rate of $50 to $70 per day, but the Sheriff says it has to meet with the County’s Budget Dept. to establish the appropriate rate.
• The Sheriff’s employees are exhausted from the past year and a half.  It has been difficult to keep up with attrition through new hires.  The Deputy Sheriff emphasized the large number of positions that have been reduced over the years and more positions are needed, including more monitors for those released on electronic monitoring.  The office is working with the University of Chicago to identify ways to better manage the electronic monitoring.
• Comm. Britton said he would like to expand training within the Jail so people can connect to jobs upon release.  The Commissioner identified a large impediment to that is the issue of transportation from Chicago to the suburbs where some of these jobs are, particularly in the food industry.
• Comm. Johnson asked about whether there are metrics for evaluating policing efforts, particularly the Sheriff’s partnering with Chicago on drug trafficking.  The Deputy explained that the Sheriff had an internal research office that does such evaluations and there are weekly reports.
• Comm. Silvestri asked about what long-term costs might be expected.  The Deputy Sheriff explained that being able to open shuttered Jail buildings was critical for providing separate spaces for prisoners during this pandemic.  The office was very complimentary of the Asset Management Bureau for quickly repairing and bringing these shuttered buildings up to code so they could be used.  The Office said that having that capability to reopen buildings could be a continuing need.
• Comm. Anaya asked whether there is any evaluation of the effectiveness of electronic monitoring.  The answer was that Urban Labs is finishing up just such an evaluation, which report should be ready shortly.
• Comm. Anaya and Moore brought up the mental health facility in Roseland that was established in 2017 as an alternative to incarceration in the Jail.  Comm. Moore urged that the County look to establish similar programs in Chicago.

Observers  - Karin Hribar and  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board of Commissioners 
Committee Meetings - Wed.  Jan. 27, 2021

Finance Committee – 9:30 am

• Agenda Item 21-0694:  Monthly report from CCH. Comptroller Lawrence reported a $259 million net favorable balance.  This was due in part to receipt of 2 large settlements being received.  Details of settlements are not discussed. It was stated that the financial status is important for maintaining ratings from rating agencies and interest of investment groups. Regarding impact of Covid 19 expenditures, if current federal proposal for aid to states and local governments has a similar formula to that used in Spring 2020, $500 million is expected.
• Agenda Item 21-5660:  (Moore) Proposal to substitute and to amend the Small Procurement Ordinance (20-5660).  This changes the exemption from competitive bid process for procurements of same or similar goods or services from same vendor in same fiscal year to less than $15,000.  This was a reduction from the amount specified in 20-5660. Approved. 16 Aye. 1 Absent/excused

Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee – 11:00

• Agenda Item 21-0495:  This is the item as stated in the Agenda. Second substitute for 20-0495. Resolution calling on Federal government to implement policies to protect immigrant community and strengthen the immigration system in the US.  Com. Anaya stated her office received an expression of support on this from the Consulate of Mexico.  Com. Miller asked that the African diaspora be included and efforts be made to expand those conversations.  Com. Anaya responded that inclusion of many groups is continuing in conversations on immigration. Resolution approved.  16 Aye. 1 Absent/Excused

​Criminal Justice Committee – 12:30

• Agenda Item 20-5479:  A hearing on the detainees in Cook County Jail, focusing on those there for 5 years or longer awaiting trial.  Representatives from Chief Judge, Sheriff, State’s Attorney, Clerk of the Court, Public Defender, and Director of Cermak Health Services were expected.  This discussion started at 12:30 and was still continuing at 3:30.  This observer concluded at 2:30. 
• Tanya Woods, Westside Justice Center, spoke regarding concerns on access to vaccines for those incarcerated, intensified needs for mental health services in black/brown communities, access to speedy trials, and ripple effects on families when a member is incarcerated. 
• Dr. David Olson, Loyola University, spoke specifically to time of detention in Cook County Jail, based on research conducted regarding incarceration of people for 5 years or more. Since Bond Court reform in Cook County, it is people accused of  the most serious felony offenses involving violent offenses who are incarcerated longest.  Better data is needed to compare Cook County to the rest of the state. He stated Illinois Dept. of Corrections lacks good data overall.  For murder, 4.7 yr is the average detention for pretrial incarceration in Cook County; for IL, the average is 2.7 years pretrial. Dr. Young stated that the trend is longer time in Cook County system compared to IL.  Time served in Cook County is would reduce time served, after sentencing, in state prison.  Many commissioners had questions for Dr. Young which can be viewed on the recording. 
• Sarah Stout, Sr Policy Analyst for Appleseed gave public testimony,  regarding short term and long term problems.  One current issue that Covid19 closings have slowed resolution of cases.  Early on, arrests were low but that is no longer the case. There is a need for a centralized docket to help catch up on cases and for updating technology for the exchange of documents.
• Chief Judge T. Evans stated that the data complied recently by his staff showed 135 cases for people  incarcerated for 5 or more years; that those were for murder, attempted murder, class X felonies.  He stated 8 reasons for those cases still pending:  1-delays in discovery process 2-motions to withdraw as attorneys 3-attorneys have schedule conflicts 4-defendant represents self 5-defendant faces multiple charges which must be tried separately, 6-demand for jury trial, 7-post conviction appeal status 8-behavioral clinical exam indicates individual unfit for trial. Commissioners engaged with Judge Evans on many questions, including data discrepancies, plans to reopen courts, and complications of reopening due to Covid 19. There were additional presentations and discussion.

Carolyn Cosentino -  Observer

Cook County Board Finance Committee Departmental Budget Hearings
November 6

CHIEF JUDGE -  TIM EVANS

Proposed 2021 Budget: $267,492,961                Proposed 2021 FTEs - 2783
2020 Budget:  $277,958,472                              2020 FTEs - 3029
Difference:  ($10,465,510)  decrease                  Difference - decrease 246 

Highlights of Presentation and Questions:

• Two more restorative justice courts “opened” but not yet being used—Englewood and      Avondale.  For 18-26 year olds to get “second chance” and  to stay out of Criminal Justice (CJ) System.  Involves the making the victim whole, dismissal of the case if completed.  12 new “peacekeepers have been hired and 12 more to be hired soon.  Difficult to set up more of these courts as they need to be in “gang-neutral territory” and the costs lower.  There will be an increase of judges available for these courts, but often prosecutors, defense attorneys don’t show up
• Length of stay (in jail) question (carry over from Dart budget hearing)  There were 9421 pending cases active since August.  85% (7945) of these were completed within 2 years, another 9% within 3 years.  About 2-3% are very serious cases involving multiple murders, etc. and after 9 years they have not been completed.  Some are on appeal, others require a lot of background investigation for trial (DNA, witness location, etc.), some awaiting sentencing.  Evans stated that this long length of stay is “blown out of proportion.”  Comm. Miller requested a public hearing on Length of Stay with all CJ departments.
• Some delays in court proceedings  are occurring due to the Clerk of the Court’s office having difficulty getting employees to work during COVID, so judges staff did that work.  This is mostly a problem at the suburban sites and the Daley Center.  He suggests sharing staff with the Clerk of the Court in the future.
• Another glitch in the court system is that Odyssey Technology isn't working as it should to track cases.  Mostly used in criminal cases; Evans suggests NOT using in civil cases.
• In the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC)  (175 juveniles currently) there has been a cut back on some programs. For other at risk juveniles, there are other programs which appear not to be currently going on, or to a lesser extent—(after school gym, homework help, mentors, dinner, ride home).  Low COVID rate at JTDC (less than 3%), as they are quarantined on arrival pending testing.
• Reduction of 100 employees from Electronic Monitoring, probation, etc.  Use of GPS saves money and staffing needs in the long run.
• An evictions system will be in place when the moratorium on evictions is over.
• Miller asked for data on mental health programs and other programs that are under the Chief Judge or others.
• $6.3 million in budget for overtime, but Evans expects this to be reduced once more staff is hired.  This is mostly in JTDC and mostly due to FMLA leave.
• A concern by Comm. Johnson on the slow pace of expungement cases.  Evans said the Clerk’ of the Court's office isn't sending petitions to the judge (Leroy Martin) for months—even in uncontested expungements.  For contested expungements, there is a problem finding lawyers who would represent for free, having asst. states attorneys there, and only a small number of clerks trained to do the processing.
• According to Ritzki (budget) there is a budget in Economic Development office to deal with CARES money and new programs in the criminal justice system—unclear what those are.
• Bond court is “back to normal” (held within 24 hours of arrest), but that means all hearings are done on Zoom.  They are live-streamed (audio only) on You-tube.

Evans indicated he plans to bring forth several amendments to his budget to restore probation officers and increase programs.  Comm. Daley reminded all that this is an “extremely tight budget” and all amendments need to be budget neutral.

​Observer - Karin Hribar