Cook County Finance Committee and Special Board Meetings
November 17, 2022

The Finance Committee considered and passed 26 amendments to the proposed 2023 Cook County Budget of $8.75 Billion.  The Board then immediately met and voted to approve the budget, as amended.  These amendments increased the total amount by about $73 Million, resulting in the final $8.8 Billion 2023 budget.  (Item 22-5700)  The final budget continued to have no increases in taxes or fees or layoffs, while continuing the supplemental payments to the Pension Fund.

Some of the key amendments which utilized these funds or transferred funds from other line items included

• The carry-over capital dollars of $11.4 Million for lease of a helicopter for use by the Sheriff’s office.  This sparked some conversation with Commissioners Anaya and Johnson voting no as they stated the dollars could be better spent on social services to prevent crime. (Amend. # 16)
• Adding 2 social worker positions to the Sheriff’s budget used for the 911 call center so that calls that involved primarily mental health crises could be dealt with by these trained experts.  Several of the public speakers voiced concern about this amendment as not providing sufficient resources and keeping the funding within the Sheriff’s budget to deal with mental health issues.  Another issue was that these positions are initially temporary until a long-term funding source can be identified.  Commissioners Johnson and Lowry voted against passage. (Amend. #17)
• Additional dollars to the Public Health Fund (Amend. #13)
• Additional dollars for improvements to the CORE Center (Amend. #11)
• Additional dollars for CCH to provide services, including housing, for domestic violence victims (Amend. #10)
• Additional dollars for implementing the SAFE-T Act (Amend. #14)
• Use of some unallocated ARPA dollars to add 2 FTEs to the Auditor’s budget for contemporaneously auditing the use of ARPA dollars for approved programs. (Amend. #18)
• Adding 3 more FTEs to the President’s Office and allocating dollars for a tax policy consulting service (Amend #20)
• Adding a General Counsel/Ethics Officer to the Board of Review (Amend. # 22)

Additionally, the Budget Resolution was amended to allow Cook County Health to use up to 30% of any excess Net Patient Services revenue over budget in 2023 to address increased costs related to direct patient care. (Amend. #26)

The additional dollars for these amendments came primarily from

• The County’s share of a declaration by the City of Chicago of a surplus in TIF District funds (Amend. #1)
• Use of additional special purpose fund balances (Amend. #4)
• Additional grants (Amend. #6)
• Additional capital dollars from bonds (Amend. #7)
• Additional estimated dollars from the State (Amend. #8)
• An opioid settlement (Amend. #12)
• Transfer of some dollars remaining in a long-discontinued TB Sanitarium District special purpose fund (Amend. #13)
• Increases in turnover adjustments (that free up dollars that would otherwise be spent on salaries and benefit costs based on the estimate that certain positions would remain vacant for some time periods during the budget year) (Amend. #14)
• A carryover of dollars from the capital budget in 2022, which is not usually done (Amend. #16)

During the public comment period, several speakers spoke against use of money for leasing the helicopter and adding 2 positions to the 911 call center, and advocated for the need for more funding to create a non-police response to mental health crises. The Civic Federation spoke in favor of the proposed budget, nevertheless noting concerns, including 

• The need for a unified tax administrative office as shown by the issues involved with the delay of the 2nd installment property tax bills
• The need for CCH to publicize the pension and debt subsidies being provided by the County
• The need for more transparency regarding the use of Provident Hospital 
• Unincorporated areas not paying their fair share of the costs to their services

​League Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
November 16, 2022 

Finance Committee – 9:30 am

• Comm. Suffedin explained the intention of this Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) is to provide additional research on property tax systems, ways to get bills out sooner, and to provide clarity on disparities using CMAP research. Com. Suffredin moved, Sylvestri seconded. Approved.  Will be on Board agenda tomorrow. (Agenda Item 22-6131)
  
• The ordinance is for a Fiscal Note, that is a feasibility study amendment to the ordinance to make clear the financial impact of the ordinance which would extend paid parental leave to 12 weeks for full-time county employees. Next month this will be offered at the Forest Preserve District Board meeting. This will align county policy with federal and city policies.  Com Degnan moved, Com Miller seconded the measure. Approved. (Agenda Item 22-6090) 

Environment & Sustainability Committee – 10 am
(Agenda Item 22-6140)   Com. Degnan moved, Miller seconded this ordinance amendment. The Environmental Commission has served as advisors to Board on environmental matters for the past 4 years. The ordinance was passed in 2019; this extends the sunset date of this Environmental Commission by 4 yr.  Com Degnan explained the commission selected 3 goals for its first 4 years:

• Industrial Composting – Landfills are filling up; this compost can be used for areas adjacent to roadways; talking with IDOT, CCOT, and CDOT. Compost could be made saleable.  Looking at expanding to food and waste composting. 
• Planting 1,000 trees – they have planted 300 and have also provided seeds for native plants
• Pollination Gardens and Plantings – The Commission worked with aldermen to change classifications of weeds so this work could go forward on parkways.

Other commissioners gave examples of many opportunities for working with local environmental groups, some of which have already been developed. Motion was approved.

Technology & Innovation Committee – 11:30 am
(Agenda Item 22-5023) Motion made by Comm. Sean Morrison, seconded by Comm. Degnan to receive and file. The item was deferred last month because the Board of Review (BOR) was absent when they were expected to give updates on the process and expected date for being off the main frame and being fully integrated with the systems of the Assessor and related departments.

Charles O’Shields, Chief Deputy Commissioner from BOR, stated no timeline given applied to the BOR, no timeline was developed for BOR to exit off mainframe.  He stated their tech improvements were demonstrated by their work in 2021. 

​Chief Information Officer (CIO) Tom Lynch and Derrick Thomas, Deputy CIO, responded to questions from commissioners.  Their statements indicated the following:

• While the BOR was not part of the original project using Tyler Rs modules, they are part of the project because of the work originally contemplated. 
• There is a timeline; it applies to all stakeholders.
• The BOR. has engaged a vendor to do data discovery for interface and integration. They are now looking at vendors to provide service; procurement process is long. 
• By Q4-2023, that is Sept.-Oct. 2023, all interfaces should be in place for 2-way exchange because mainframe will no longer be in use. When asked directly, Thomas stated he could not answer definitively if it was feasible to complete procurement process and complete all work necessary. 
• When asked by Comm. Degnan what would happen if the main frame unit were shut down and the BOR is not off the main frame - Thomas stated bills would be late.

Commissioners’ questions and statements indicated their dissatisfaction with the level of progress at the BOR and concern for citizens facing the possibility of late property tax bills again in 2023 which in turn mpacts the entities that rely on the property taxes. 

Committee Chairperson Kevin Morrison asked Mr. O’Shields to attend the Jan. meeting of the Technology Committee and be prepared to provide an update of the Board of Review’s strategic plan; it should include a report on RFP progress and timeline.  “OK” was Mr. Shield’s answer.

State’s Attorney’s Office representative Matt Steiner presented the update on their office.  An apology, explanation of absence, and assurance that this would not recur were given. Process for getting off main frame began with Juvenile System which is on the mainframe; adult system is not. It began with a discovery process which involved integration of cases, data mapping, identifying risk points and developing 2-point solutions to address those.  He stated they are on track to be off mainframe by August, 2023. 

Motion to Receive and File reports was approved.

Carolyn Cosentino, LWVCC Observer

Cook County Board Of Commissioners Meeting
October 20, 2022; 10:30 A.M.

Board Action:
The Board was asked to extend and to increase the recruiting and HR consultation services with Deloitte. The original contract was 11-8-2021 to 11-7-2022. The proposed extension would run 11-8-2022 to 11-7-2023. (Agenda Item 22-5170)

• Commissioner Gainer was uncertain that the process would be improved and asked whether the County was measuring its effectiveness. HR responded that Deloitte was the only one to respond to the call for bids. There is currently a serious shortage of recruiters and the County is having to compete in an extremely tight market.
• Commissioner Aguilar asked what happens if the extension is not approved. HR replied that hiring for the County would be severely impacted because HR simply does not have the staff to handle the demand. Commissioner Degnen expressed concern about the amount of money which would be expended for just twelve Deloitte employees.
• Commissioner Gainer said she wanted to see the whole pipeline for hiring from beginning to end to understand what is happening. 
• Board approved as substituted on a roll call vote. Aye: 11; Nay: 4 ; Ab: 2 (excused).

​Additional Board Business Was Conducted With Little Discussion

• 22-5826- The Board established the annual calendar of regular and consent meetings for 2023. Passed on roll call vote.
• 22-5827-5830- Program budgets of the RTA, CTA, Metra, and PACE (2023) were referred to the Transportation Committee.
• 22-5631- The Board approved the contract with Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation for study that allows County to determine population characteristics of coyotes & wildlife to help minimize conflicts and guide management programs relating to wildlife and the public. Commissioner Gainer related this to the Forest Preserve coyote issue and asked that the County engage with the animal welfare community.

The Board passed resolutions on the following items:

• 22-6036- Recognizing County Care’s 10th anniversary.
• 22-6092- Honoring Patrick M. Blanchard who is retiring as Cook County’s first Independent Inspector General. Commissioner Suffredin referenced a letter from the LWVCC recognizing his contributions.
• 22-5862- Creating an Opioid Remediation Abatement Special Purpose Fund which will see that funds are dispersed equitably to support opioid remediation and abatement programs.
• 22-6090- Calling for a 12-week Paid Parental Leave policy financial impact analysis & report. As of Jan. 1, 2023 the City of Chicago will have such a policy. The Board voted to refer this to the Finance Committee. 

Observer: Georgia Gebhardt

Cook County Board Committee Meetings
October 19, 2022
Note:  All items approved in Committee are expected to be passed at the Oct. 20 meeting by the Full Board concurring with the recommendations of the Committees.

Business & Economic Development Committee

• Approved a new property tax incentive for a new grocery store or retention of an existing grocery store in a location included in the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Illinois Food Deserts Annual Report.  The property owner receiving the incentive will be assessed at 10% of market value for 10 years, with an opportunity to renew once for an additional 10 years. (Item 22-5345)
• There were a number of public comments from municipalities and realtors applauding this proposal as a way to bring healthy food to areas that lack such options.
• Kudos were given to Commissioner Donna Miller by fellow Commissioners.

Finance Committee

• Approved a reduction in court adoption fees to $89, which is consistent with the corresponding fees in the surrounding counties, from $265.  Commissioner Suffredin explained the Presiding Judge Taylor had noticed that the number of adoptions in Cook County had fallen while the numbers in the other counties were rising.  The presumption is that Cook County’s higher fees is the cause.  Some other related fees were also reduced.  (Items 22-5510 and 22-5512)
• Approved a substitute resolution from Commissioner Miller for the “Cook County Justice40 Infrastructure Fund Initiative.”  The “Justice40 Initiative” is a whole-of-government intitiative to ensure that Federal agencies work with state and local communities to deliver at least 40% of the benefits from Federal investment in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.  This resolution states that Cook County is committed to applying for federal monies under the Federal Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), that the County shall adhere to the County’s Procurement Code with regard to equitable participation of minority and women business enterprises for any such IIJA or IRA grants received, and that the Budget Director shall report on IIJA or IRA grants received and on American Rescue Plan Act programs that incorporate Justice40 principles on a quarterly basis.  (Item 22-3910)

Technology & Innovation Committee

• The Committee met to hear reports from the Chief Information Officer Tom Lynch on the Major Technology Projects in the county and on the Integrated Automated Criminal Justice Systems Report, as well as from the County offices.  Generally, CIO Lynch was positive.  He also reported on the status of moving the remaining applications off of the main frame.  As he explained, there are fewer and fewer people who have the expertise to maintain these applications and the cost is high.  
• No one from the offices of the Board of Review or the State’s Attorney were at the meeting to provide the required reports, much to the irritation of the Commissioners.  As a result, the Committee deferred the item on the Major Projects Report to a later meeting when those offices would be present.  Comm. Degnen wants to know when the Board of Review will commit to moving from the main frame to the Integrated Property Tax System. (Item 22-5023)
• Comm. Daley asked whether the technology issues that helped cause the delay in the 2nd installment property tax bill this year would also impact next year’s 2nd installment.  The Assessor’s office stated that there should not be such a significant delay next year.
• Comm. Daley also inquired why no report had yet been produced on the number of criminal cases delayed and whether at the request of the State’s Attorney or defendant’s attorneys.  The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office explained that while that information is available for each case by reading each file, there is no data coding to capture it and produce a report.  That office is currently working on the new Traffic Court applications, and will turn to adding the data codes that will allow future reports for the Commissioners.   

Emergency Management & Regional Security Committee

• Heard a presentation from the new Executive Director of the Cook County Emergency Management & Regional Security, Theodore (Ted) Berger, who had previously worked as the Deputy Director prior to taking other positions with the County.  
• Mr. Berger presented the organization chart (which has 2 key openings for the Chief Deputy Director and Deputy Director for Operations). 
• The Department assists municipalities with emergency situations; has built mutual aid capacity to loan equipment and materials so each municipality does not have to purchase them, and provides expertise and helps secure grants to benefit all of Cook County.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board - Criminal Justice Committee Meeting
September 21, 2022
​
Big controversy over Cook County Court use of SCRAM devices
Lots of contradictory points  were made by justice groups, public defender office, and some Commissioners vs. the Chief Judge’s Office regarding the Court use of SCRAM ankle bracelets for DUI and other alcohol-related defendants.  These devices measure perspiration to determine if the offender has consumed alcohol.  The wearer is to avoid all alcohol consumption.
Points made by Jim Anderson, CFO of Chief Judge Office:

• the office is pleased with the results.  Rarely is their a failure to comply by defendants/offenders
• judges are the ones to order this device as a deterrent from incarceration 
• considered a diversion program and is combined with treatment programs
• court and other penalty fees are waived if using SCRAM device and avoiding alcohol
• all contracts with SCRAM are in compliance with state law and county ordinances
• demographics of defendants on SCRam - currently 123 defendants on SCRAM -  out of over 6,000 arrested for alcohol related crimes in 2020, about 120 were on SCRAM - 46% White, 18% Black, 29% Hispanic  (historical data) - SCRAM used more often in wealthier areas of Cook County

Three circumstances where SCRAM is used in the courts (judges trying to fix the problem)
    1.  condition of probation
    2.  in bond court as a condition of release
    3.  plea deal to avoid the charge of DUI being on the defendant’s record

Points made by justice groups and some commissioners:

• cost of the device is charged to the offender—may be prohibitive expense for some—county should pay 
• concern with how the contract for this device is awarded and that these companies make a profit
• may restrict offenders in their jobs, and may need to travel in county to have device checked
• if offender can’t pay the company seeks payment through a collection agency
• ”unfair” to the poor, minorities

This item 22-4709 (resolution to have a hearing on SCRAM devices) passed unanimously out of committee to go on to entire Board.

Cook County Board - Pension Committee
September 21, 2022

A steady depletion of assets in Retirement Funds for CC and FPD despite a great investment year (2021)

• Both the Cook County government and the Forest Preserve District had good returns on investment (17.15% for Cook County) last year—mostly private equity and private real estate 
• Cook County has been paying in more than required each year since 2016
• However, there will be an eventual depletion of assets because the program cannot generate enough investment income to keep paying the growing numbers of retirees (small gap now)
• for the FPD, assets will be depleted by 2044 and this will become “pay as you go” system unless changes are made to laws (large gap now)
• in the County, there are more retirees getting benefits than employees paying into the system
• Currently there is $14.2 billion in the Cook County pension fund and $240 million in the Forest Preserve Fund
• Pension Board and its employees have been working in-person since August, 2021 interfacing with the public and well as phone counseling.
• Commissioner Kevin Morrison concerned that transgender sex transformation operations are excluded from retiree benefits.  This will be addressed at the next Pension Board meeting in October.
• Some commissioners concerned about minority investment contracts (currently 39%)

This item 19-1313 (yearly report on Retirement assets and situation) was deferred to that it can be kept open for the future.

Observer:  Karin Hribar

COOK COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONER’S MEETING
September 22, 2022

Board Action:
During new business, commissioners were asked to suspend the rules to take up fourteen [14] new items.  The rules call for new items to be deferred to committee for consideration if the item or items have been introduced less than 48 hours before the Board meeting.  Commissioner Gainer supported by Commission Sean Morrison noted that several of these items were not emergencies and were for expenditures totaling around $40 million dollars.  Commissioner Gainer noted that it seems to be circumventing the Board’s procedure for referring new items to committees.  Commissioner Morrison agreed and said that, in particular, items with an RFP process should go to committee.  Notwithstanding these objections, nine of the resolutions were passed and five were referred to committee.  

• One of above new items was Commission Gainer’s request for a full audit of the Cook County Court System’s secure remote continuous alcohol monitoring program {SCRAM] and an independent study of SCRAM’s efficacy and program alternations.   Referred to the Criminal Justice Committee #22-5619.  Note:  The Criminal Justice Committee held a hearing on September 20, 2022 on SCRAM and this motion is a follow-up.
• A review and analysis of the CC electronic monitoring systems commissioned by the Justice Advisory Council with assistance from CGL Companies and the Appleseed Center for Fair Courts was referred to the Criminal Justice Committee.   #22-5130
• Questions were raised about # #22-3772 and #22-5335 for Electronic Monitoring contracts – one with the Sheriff’s office and the other for the office of the Chief Judge.  Commissioners asked if the SCRAM program can be combined with EM for purposes of an RFP.  Staff answered they are considering the possibility for 2023 RFP’s.  Commissioners Anaya and Johnson voted against 3772 and 5335 without comment. 
• Budget transfer of ARPA funds for July and August 2022 were approved.  Commissioner Daley asked for assurance that the Financial Department is monitoring and confirming that ARPA funds are being spent appropriately and that the Board and the County are protected from liability.  Answer:  Yes.    #22-5010 and #22-5072
• Referred the CCH’s 2023-25 Strategic Plan and Financial Forecast to the HHS Committee #5151
• Accepted the CCH’s preliminary 2023 budget with no comment.  #22-5009

Approved a proposed ordinance amendment adding a new Sec. 2-282 (b)(6) which provides for the General Counsel for the Inspector General’s Office to become the interim IG when there is a vacancy #22-5511

No action was taken on the ordinance amendment that would limit public testimony to 60 min. #22-4697 or #22-3155 proposed changes to ethics rules to align them with the new IL law.
In addition, the Board approved the following items approved in prior Committee Meetings:
Finance Committee meeting of Sept. 21:

• Deferred in committee an intergovernmental agreement between Cook County and the Forest Preserve to cover services to be provided and paid for in calendar year 2023.  #22-5507
• Approved the elected Official Compensation Review Ordinance requiring the Human Resources Department to present to the Board an independent compensation study for the County’s elected positions every four years, beginning in 2024, with any Board action to be taken by the following March.  #22-3931
• Approved as substituted a request for the Finance Committee to meet and discuss potential opportunities to address access to capital challenges for small business in Cook County including veterans and disability provisions.  Look for an announcement next week regarding these opportunities.  #22-4706

Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee meeting of Sept. 21:

• Approved ordinance amendments which provided for vacancies in the offices of Commissioners and Assessor, Clerk, Sheriff, and Treasurer to be filled initially by appointment by applicable township and ward committee persons of the same party, but in cases where the remaining term is more than 28 months, those positions will then be filled for the remaining term at the next general election.  At the Committee meeting sponsor Britton explained that the League of Women Voters had proposed the use of an election.  #22-4661 and #22-4662.
• Approved appointments of M. Lipinski to the Human Rights Commission and Dr. Jay D. Bhatt to the Cook County Health Board of Directors. The appointment of Sam A. Robinson, III, PhD was deferred in committee as he was unable to attend the meeting.
• Approved the search committee for replacing the Independent Inspector General (“IIG)”).  Patrick Blanchard, the current IIG, is expected to retire Oct. 14.  In the interim, the General Counsel will act as the Cook County Inspector General.  #22-4693 

Public Speakers included:

• The Bond Fund opposes the expansion of Electronic Monitoring after reading the report just released by the Justice Advisory Committee and also strongly supports the alternative to 911.   
• Jackson Park Hospital nurses asked for more resources and also supported the 911 alternative which would eliminate police presence from the response teams.
• Another speaker spoke to the problems defendants have that are on Electronic Monitoring.   
• County Interpreters asked for fair contracts and bilingual employees of the County asked for better pay.

Consent Agenda:   John Yonan, Bureau Chief of Asset Management and former Supt. Of Transportation and Highways received bountiful accolades from the Commissioners after his announced retirement this month.

Observer:  Diane Edmundson