Cook County Board & Finance Committee Meetings
November 24, 2020

The Board

• Unanimously passed the $6.9 billion budget, as amended (Agenda Item 20-4595).
• Unanimously passed an amendment to the Property Tax Relief Ordinance which provides that late fees will not be assessed for any payments of the 1st installment of the property tax bill, still due by March 2, that are made on or before May 3; and that late fees will not be assessed for any payments of the 2nd installment, still due by Aug. 2, that are made on or before Oct.1.  This amendment is in recognition of the pandemic and the financial toll it has taken on many residents and businesses (Agenda Item 20-5643).

The Board met immediately after the Finance Committee, which passed 19 amendments unanimously to amend the budget.  Many of these amendments were “technical” in that they simply made budget neutral changes to reflect either corrections to the Executive Budget or to reflect new information since the Executive Budget was presented in mid-October.  The following changes were the most substantive:

• As a result of identifying additional revenues from the State, 48 positions were restored to the Chief Judge’s budget, including positions in the Adult Probation Department, and 41 positions were restored to the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (also under the Chief Judge).
• Funding to continue to operate the Morton East Clinic under the Cook County Health's (CCH) budget was found by making some adjustments to other line items in that budget.  Commissioner Anaya, one of the sponsors, stressed that this Clinic has been a vital health center for the high school and the surrounding community, and is an entry point for other CCH services.  Commissioner Anaya emphasized that there should not be a single model for providing health care within the County, but that different models are needed for different communities.  Key is to engage the public in each community to find out what their needs and preferences are.  Many of the other Commissioners thanked Commissioner Anaya and Commissioner Aguilar, the other sponsor, for finding the money to keep this clinic open.  During the public comments at the various hearings on the budget, this was among the issues raised the most often by those seeking its continuation.

Following the budget passage at the Board meeting, some of the comments included:

• President Preckwinkle stressed that the 2021 budget, which contains no new taxes or fees, was possible because of many years of hard work and hard votes by the Board.  The Administration and Board have stuck to a long-term financial plan, rather than look to one-time solutions.
• Commissioner Sean Morrison cited the past actions which included extra payments to the Pension Fund of $2 B (which led to a higher bond rating for the County;) the increase in the Fund Balance over the past years from $30 M to $479 M, which allowed this year’s budget to be balanced by taking some money from that Fund Balance; and the Board’s funding of technology which has allowed the County departments to continue operating remotely during this pandemic.
• Commissioner Kevin Morrison reminded everyone that the Administration presented a balanced budget after having to close a $400 M deficit.

Observer:  Priscilla MIms

Cook County Finance Committee Departmental Budget Hearings
November 4, 2020

Cook County Health (CCH)

Proposed 2021 Budget - $3,387B                             Proposed FTES for 2021 - 6743
2020 Budget Amount -  $2,824 Billion                   2020 Budget FTEs - 6601
Difference - Increase of $653M (20%)                     Difference - Increase of 142
​
Highlights of Presentation and Questions:

• The increase in the 2021 budget is primarily due to the increase in County Care membership which affects both revenue and expenses and the staff increase for the County Jail due to Covid-19 requirements. Layoff’s occurred in the summer of 2020 to reduce the year’s deficit. Any additional union job cuts will likely result in filling openings in other areas.
• The increase in the 2021 FTE's is due to Covid-19 requirements at the jail, managed care, and hiring 91 permanent employees to replace Agency temporary hires.  . Commissioner Degnan asked that the projected savings by bringing agency positions in house be tracked to include not only compensation but benefits.  
• County Care Revenues for 2021 projected at $2.2 billion due to increased enrollment due to Covid-19 and employer layoffs.
• Overtime costs are expected to come down from a 9% of payroll high in 2020 to 6% in 2021.  And Commissioner Suffredin highlighted the System’s focus on improving the “prior authorization process” to reduce denials and thereby increase revenues.
• During this four-hour meeting, there were surprisingly few questions about budget numbers.  Most of the Commissioners were very concerned about service impact to their constituents.  There is only one service elimination.  The in-patient pediatrics which averages a little over 2 patients per day is suspended for fiscal year 2021.  Originally, CCH said it would be eliminated, but has now changed to suspended, likely due to internal and external pressures.  Interim CEO Carey and Interim Budget Chief Gibson held their ground on the necessity for and the reasoning behind service cuts.  
• Most of the questions were about clinical care especially mental health services and the consolidation of south side’s two ambulatory clinics into the Provident Clinic affecting approximately 9,000 patients.  
• Interim CEO Carey gave a clarion call that something has to be done about charity care stating that CCH cannot continue to absorb the more than $312 million in charity care costs [$320 in 2020 due to COVID and people staying home].
• The reversal of the Affordable Care Act was also a topic  In its budget presentation, the System estimated a loss of approximately $600 million annually in County Care capitation revenue, another at least $100 million annually from other Managed Care providers, and an increase of $700 million annually in uncompensated care costs.  
• Regarding the public’s concern about the Morton School Clinic, Carey said the System is very close to closing on an agreement to transfer services.  And the Lurie Partnership is taking over the services at the Child Advocate Center.  
• All Physical Therapy services will be centered in space developed in Harrison Square, which is the name now given to the old Stroger Hospital Building.
• Of the approximately 5,000 inmates at Cermak, it is estimated that 2,000 are listed as having mental health issues.  Very little discussion on the COVID-19 contact tracing but a hearing has been requested I believe by Commissioner Suffredin on this issue.
• An unknown for 2021 is the potential impact on the CCH System if Mercy Hospital closes for both regular and charity care patients.

Observer – Diane Edmundson                                                     Length of Meeting - 4 hours

Cook County Board Committee Meetings
October 21, 2020 - Committee Meetings were held from 9:30am-2:30pm

Items of Interest: 
Health & Hospital Committee: 

• The 2020 2nd Quarter Report for the Public Health Department was submitted. In the report it was reported that there have been 70,000 Covid19 cases and 2000 deaths attributed to Covid19. The positivity rate is 7% and trending up in all age groups. Disparities were noted due to structural racism. Federal policy has generated fear among the undocumented, making them reluctant to seek medical help.  County level risk metrics were blue in August but now back to orange.  The CC Health System has responded to 10,000 requests from the public. CCH is partnering with other agencies to expand rapid testing for Covid in coming weeks. They are also staffing up for increased contact tracing.

Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee
Agenda Item 20-4191 - Final Report on Merger of Recorder of Deeds Office with the Office of the County Clerk

• During the meeting there was an extensive discussion on the transfer of jobs from the Recorder of Deeds Office to the office of the County Clerk.  Union representatives were present to object to the fact that employees of the Recorder’s office were being forced to reapply for jobs with the Clerk. Their collective bargaining unit, along with their jobs, will be terminated on November 30 when these two offices merge. The union objects that Recorder employees must compete with outside applicants for the positions that will now be within the Clerk’s office. Many employees have a good deal of experience/seniority and feel that they are being unjustly treated.
• Several commissioners expressed surprise that the merger was not proceeding as seamlessly as they had believed. The HR representative reminded the commissioners that the merger was  complicated by Shakman and by Covid. Also, the positions of the two agencies are not a simple “apples to apples” process when it comes to hiring. She did make a commitment that those who were hired by the Clerk would not lose their seniority or their salary. Approximately 20-25 jobs will be cut. It was hoped that these could be absorbed by attrition/early retirement. 
• Clerk Yarborough has requested a legal opinion from the States Attorney. Commissioner Suffredin recommended deferring action on the ordinance until this opinion is obtained.
• The report on the Clerk’s office assuming duties of the Recorder was accepted with no discussion at the October 22 Board meeting.                          

Cook County Board Of Commissioners Meeting
October 22, 2020          Meeting Length - 3 hours 15 minutes

Key Items Addressed by the Board: 
Agenda Item 20-4204    
Mr. Israel Rocha, candidate for the Cook County Hospital’s CEO position,
        received the blessing of the Cook County Board on October 22, 2020. His 
        offer package included a base salary of $650,000 plus a 10% performance-
        based annual bonus opportunity. The industry’s standard severance package
        of one year was reduced to 20 weeks.  CCH Board President officially intro-
        duced Mr. Rocha, though he had met most of the 17 Commissioners prior to
        this meeting. While taking longer than the expected six months to identify
        and vet the final candidate, it appears that the Cook County Board and the
        Hospital Board are in strong agreement that they have found the right person.
        Mr. Rocha has experience in all of the responsibility areas he will assume as
        CEO, including: Public Health, A Managed Health Care Plan, Forensic Medi-
        cine and an Ambulatory Care Network.
In his remarks, Mr. Rocha said that he wants to create a leading model of care
        for Cook County.  He offered the following six goals toward that end:
        1. Operate a safe and clinically sound system of care
        2. Responsive to patients’ needs
        3. Take bold steps by breaking barriers to achieve equity and inclusion
        4. Ensure fiscal and financial resilience
        5. Be known as the employer of choice and the provider of choice
        6. Be known as a leader in the advancement of medicine as a human right.

Agenda Item 20-3562    The Board voted a substitute for the Proposed Landlord Tenant Ordinance
        and then discharged it from the Finance Committee and referred it to the
        Zoning & Building Committee. This ordinance is meant to establish the same
        rights for all renters and tenants throughout suburban Cook County as those
        currently enjoyed by citizens of Chicago, Evanston, and Mt. Prospect.

Agenda Item 20-4872    A resolution was passed stating the Clerk of the Court should collect $150 on
        all mortgage foreclosure filings to be used to support a plan to save residents
        from eviction and mortgage foreclosures. The Illinois Supreme Court authorized
        the collection. Passed unanimously.

Agenda Item 20-4814    The Board unanimously passed a resolution to forgive loans made by the 
        County under the program established to deal with Covid. The County can use
        CARES money from the federal government as long as it is done before the end
        of December.

Agenda Item 20-3431    The Board approved appointment of Joseph M. Harrington to the CCH Board.

Agenda Item 20-4202    The Board passed an ordinance by President Preckwinkle to establish a 
        Property Assessed Clean Energy Program & Area. It is to finance the acqui-
        sition, construction, installation or modification of energy projects. 

Agenda Item 20-4684    The Cook County Board honored Dorothy Brown on her retirement from 20years of service as the Clerk of the Circuit Court. 

Commissioners praised the Coronavirus report (9-30-20) as a great resource. The distribution 
of funds was broken down into four areas: 1) direct costs, 2) workplace redesign, 3) economic
development and 4) grants to local governments (due by October 31).

Observers: Georgia Gebhardt and Diane Edmundson                   

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting -  Sept. 24, 2020​

Key Items Addressed by the Board:                      

• 20-4302  Extending Disaster Proclamation through Dec. 31, 2020. Motion made by Com. Daley and seconded by Com Suffredin.  Com Daley stated Pres. Preckwinkle has continued to hold conference calls with department heads and staff to answer questions of commissioners and provide requested information.  Com Suffredin affirmed the prudence of the extension in light of continuing need to access resources to address the recession and Covid19; he stated no abuse of power has occurred.  Com Britton stated it is necessary for county to be “nimble” in its responses. Com. Morrisson questioned why technology could not allow us to operate without this extension. Another concern was that not enough meetings were held to address Covid19.  Commissioners are receiving monthly statements from the Budget Director. Passed.  Aye-13  No-3. Present-1

Moved by Com. Suffredin, seconded by Com Britton, and approved to take up out of order the recommendations of Legislative and Intergovernmental Regulations Committee the 3 items below. Then moved by Suffredin and Britton to concur with the recommendations of that committee.

• 20-3428 Appoint Raul Garza as Director to Cook County Health Board for a 4 yr term.  Approved
• 20-3433 Appoint Robert Currie as Director to Cook County Health Board for a 4 yr term. Approved.
• 20-0016  Approve as Substitute Proposed Amendment to Office of Inspector General.  This included a new provision requested by the LWVCC to have quarterly reports from the IG Office submitted as Board agenda to receive and file or refer to Litigation Subcommittee. It also includes clarification on minimum qualifications for the IG position and allows the president with approval from the Board to reappoint the existing IG for a 2 yr term. It adds a requirement that before the IG would issue a written public statement regarding an investigation that found inefficient or wasteful management, the IG must first submit this to the affected department and allow the department to provide a written comment within 10 days to be issued (and any response by the IG) with the written public statement. Passed.
  

• 20-4289 Re-appointment of Patrick Blanchard for 2-yr term as Inspector General. Moved by Com Suffredin and second by Com. Britton.  Commissioners expressed support of past work of IG Blanchard.  Passed.
  
• 20-4259 Proposed Cook County Health (CCH) Preliminary Budget FY2021. Move to approve by Com. Deere and seconded by Com. Arroyo. One question was whether this was supposed to go first to committee.  It was explained that the purpose of the document is to see the hospital budget for substantive issues, format. The budget can be discussed after it has been received by the President’s office. The CCH budget becomes part of the Cook County budget to be defended by CCH later in the budget process. Debra Carrie, Interim CEO, spoke to a question of the dollar value of the budget.  She stated the tax allocation for 2021 would increase $40 million over 2020 allocation, making it $123 million for FY2021. Approved.

Other item of note:

• Clarification was made regarding roll call votes and voice votes in virtual meetings.  Per the Open Meetings Act, all actions require roll call votes.  Motions for referral of items can be voice votes since the actual action takes place in committees.

Observer:  Carolyn Cosentino                                        Length of Meeting 3 hr 32 min

Cook County Commissioners - Board and Committee Meetings
July 27, 29 and 30, 2020

Key items passed by the Board:

• “Justice for Black Lives” Resolution.  The substitute non-binding resolution calls on monies for policing and incarceration to be redirected to public services, not administered by law enforcement, which will promote community health and public safety, particularly in Black and Brown communities most impacted by violence and incarceration.  Such services to include housing, health care, mental health, restorative justice, job creation, public transport, eviction/foreclosure, and increasing opportunities for Minority-owned and Women-owned business enterprises.  Passed with 15 votes; Commissioner Aguilar voted present and Commissioner Sean Morrison voted no, both expressing concern with the idea that the resolution calls for defunding the police.  Commissioners voting in favor say that this lays out priorities for reducing crime and promoting opportunities through these other means.  The upcoming 2021 budget (which will be considered in October and November) will offer the first opportunity for the Commissioners to start to carry out the resolution. (Agenda Item 20-2867)
• Resolution to utilize $82 million of money County received under the CARES Act to aid economic recovery from COVID-19.  (Agenda Item 20-3229)  See the Observer Report for the Special Board Meeting on July 16 for details of the distribution.

Other Items of Interest Discussed in Committees:
Finance Committee:

• County’s Use of CARES Act funds:  CFO Ammar Rizki reported that the $429 million has been allocated for (1) County’s operational costs (46%), (2) County’s direct costs incurred  (23%), (3) spurs for economic development across the County (19%, the Resolution described above), and (4) $51 M for eligible costs incurred by suburban municipalities (12%, as described in the Observer Report for the July 16 Special Board Meeting).  New guidance comes out regularly from the U.S. Treasury as to how these monies can be spent.  Mr. Rizki said that with $300 M in lost revenues to the County, it is critical that now County can use the CARES money to cover some salary and benefit costs.  However, Mr. Rizki said that CARES Act money can only be used to cover hazard pay for those employees directly dealing with COVID positive people (health care workers and correctional officers in the Jail).  So hazard pay provided to other people will not be covered, based on current information.  Mr. Rizki stressed that with many people predicting a spike in COVID cases in the fall, the County needs to conserve some of these funds to cover future costs.
• To date, 439 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
• So far, no monies have been allocated to township governments, which have other options.
• Mr. Rizki receives a weekly report of which municipalities have requested monies under the $51 M allocation by the County and will share with the Commissioners so they can make sure municipalities in their districts are applying for that money.
• Cook County Health has received $59 million of CARES Act funding in May in addition to the above as a health care provider. 

Audit Committee:

• Clean audits received for both the County as a whole and Cook County Health (“CCH”) for fiscal year 2019.  County has a Fund Balance that would cover 2 months of expenses, which is considered what is necessary.  (Agenda Items 20-2685, 2687)
• Auditor stated that CCH’s receivables tend to be risky, but thinks there are sufficient reserves to cover delinquencies.  Liabilities include $477 M of claims to County Care for outside (“foreign”) providers, $236M which are identified and the rest based on management estimates of what claims will be submitted after the fiscal year for care provided during the fiscal year.  Comm. Miller asked for breakdown of these “foreign” claims so they will know where people are going for care outside of CCH’s facilities.  Comm. Morrison wants to know dollar amount not collected due to mistakes; this goes beyond scope of this audit.  Andrea Gibson, CCH interim chief business officer, will be setting up meetings with the Commissioners.  She said that CCH is now catching out-of-network people and so not providing service under County Care.  Also, CCH is making sure getting pre-authorizations required by other insurers.
• Clean audit for Clerk of the Circuit Court, except that fees not disbursed in timely manner as required under Illinois Clerks of the Courts Act. (Agenda Item 20-2653)

Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee:

• Review of the Final Recommended Plan for consolidating the Recorder of Deeds functions into the Office of the County Clerk.  Estimated cost savings during 2021 is $1.1 M, and annual savings thereafter over next 3 years estimated at $6 M.  Expect reductions in positions down to 79 for recorder’s work due to streamlining and broadening of work done by an employee.  Savings also due to moving Clerk’s Vital Records area from Daley Center pedway to Recorder’s office on main floor and moving Clerk’s offices on 14th floor of 69 W. Washington to Recorder’s administrative offices in County building. (Agenda Item 20-2745)  Next review by Commissioners of this consolidation will be in the proposed budget submitted in October.

Items to watch for at next Committee meetings, likely during the week of Sept. 21:

• Agenda Item 20-3562: Proposed “Residential Tenant & Landlord Ordinance,” which was referred to the Finance Committee.  Co-sponsor Britton said that this is modeled on the Chicago and Evanston ordinances.  Would spell out tenant and landlord rights and obligations.
• Agenda Item 20-3482:  Proposed resolution requesting hearings every month of the Criminal Justice Committee with the Sheriff and senior staff to discuss the operation of the Jail and Police Department (responsible for unincorporated areas plus some suburban towns under inter-government agreements).  Referred to Criminal Justice Committee.
• Agenda Item 20-3435:  Proposed resolution supporting the Illinois NAACP State Conference and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Ten Shared Principles.  Referred to Law Enforcement Committee.
• Commissioners Deer and Moore each submitted separate proposals to add Juneteenth as a County holiday, which were withdrawn.  The Commissioners said they would work to add this holiday without putting an added expense to the budget.

Note:  The Cook County Board and most of the Board Committees are not scheduled to meet again until week of Sept. 21, though Commissioner Suffredin wanted the public to know that everyone is still working and Commissioners continue meeting virtually in small groups (so as not to violate the Open Meetings Act) each Sunday with key County personnel.

Observer - Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board Of Commissioners’ Finance Committee
       Midyear Budget Hearings - July 21, 2020

Cook County Health - Debra Cary
Revenues as of May 31, 2020: General information from report available on Legistar 

• Medicaid Expansion up 21% from $798 million budgeted to $965 million actual            
• Patient Fee Revenue down 21% from $332 budgeted to $262 actual

Expenses: 

• $1,665 billion actual versus $1,303 billion budget = 28% higher 

Holdback Target:  Reported as N/A 

Highlights of Presentation and Discussion::

• As of 7-21, $154 million Cares Act monies have been received plus another $40 million for COVID-19 contact tracing.
• 70 positions were eliminated and another 200 agency positions identified to bring in house as a cost savings.
• Charity and unpaid care continues at 42% to date but expected to rise.
• Commission Daley stressed that the System has to reverse the large percentage of County Care MCO patients using other providers.
• System is expanding use of Telehealth but it is not considered to be an expense saver.
• Stand alone, ambulatory dialysis services at Provident to open in late 2020.
• Patient numbers are slowly rising at the hospitals and community centers as accommodations are made for social distancing.
• Cary said System needs to be prepared for COVID-19 resurgence and continued extra services at the Jail.
• Artificial intelligence being used to reduce claims rejection by ensuring pre-approval is received.  This new approach is operational for radiology and underway for oncology.  Next 2-3 months will provide more information on success.
• It is expected that the County will use tax dollars in the amount of $82 million to help offset Jail and Public Health Expenses and will pick up another $30 million In pension costs.
• Commission Sean Morrison asked for value of denials and billing errors for years 2018-19.  Also wants capital funding expectations from Cook County CFO.
• Projecting a $187 million deficit for 2021 due to personnel, overtime, and pharmacy costs.
• The new Medicare enrollment plan, More Care, is expected to help increase Medicare revenues by $7.4 million.
• Provident Hospital rebuild on hold until new CEO in place.
• CCH Board President expects CEO search to produce 1-2 finalists in the next few weeks.

Independent Inspector General -– Patrick Blanchard
Revenues – N/A
Expenses - $1,043 million YTD budgeted vs $882,545 actual.  Down 15.3%
Holdback Target:   $120,824.  met.
FY 2021 Budget Target:    $1,726,849

Information of Interest

• Did not hire 2 investigators as part of his hold back target and another new hire will start in August.
• Provides services to Cook County, Forest Preserve, and the MWRD.  Exceptions: States Attorney, Chief Justice, and Clerk of the Court
• Used Micro-Soft Teams to good advantage and will incorporate in future operations.  May save on space.
• Noted that since its inception the IG office has consistently had its staff reduced from a high of 20 to the current number of 14 including 2 MWRD investigators.  Blanchard is now doing the complaint triage work previously handled by his deputy who left and has not been replaced.
• Complaints are up about 25% from 2019.  Projecting 800 for 2020 [includes MWRD].
• With the projected cuts in the 2021 budget, Blanchard does not expect his office can be prepared to provide the coverage needed.
• Produces 60 OIG summary reports a year and receives 350 inquires/complaints.
• The OIG has one full-time harassment investigator who is busy but not “crushed” with work.

Public Administrator -– Louis Apostol
Revenues – Up $539,328 or 82.9%.  YTD Budget $650,000 vs YTD Actual $1,189,328
Expenses -  Down $7,129 or 1.07%.  YTD Budget $666,922 vs YTD Actual $658,922
Holdback -   No.
Fiscal 2021 Budget Target:   $1,259,749.    2020 Budget is $1,344,605

Information of Interest

• In explanation of the holdback:  “The office will have generated over $2,865,112 in fees, interest, court costs, and funds for unknown heirs.  Our 2020 budget is $1,344,605.  At the close of Q3 2020, the fees alone will have generated $1,169,933 to the county treasurer.  This office estimates a year-end total of $1,827,331 in revenue which represents $527,331 over the expense amount appropriated for FY 2020.”
• The office assists the public in administering probate estates when a CC resident passes away without family to manage the liquidation and distribution of his/her assets.  It also aids the public and the Medical Examiner’s Office in location of family for unclaimed remains and homes that would otherwise be abandoned.
• The office has a staff of 15 plus the Public Administrator who is a 1099 employee.

Secretary to the Board of Commissioners - Matthew DeLeon       
Revenues:  N/A
Expenses:  Down $90,636 or 10%.   YTD Budget is $932,617 vs YTD Actual of $84,981
Holdback:   $112,707.  Met.
Fiscal 2021 Budget Target:  $1,745,747

Information of Interest​

• A new Manager of Archives has been hired, and the Secretary intends to bring an Ordinance governing the archives in the fall.
• January 2021 is the 190th Birthday of the County for which the board has instituted a flag design contest for the students of the county.  The contest deadline has been extended to September 2020, and the semi-finalists will be picked in October.  The presentation of the flag is projected for spring/summer 2021.
• The Secretary stated that the Board is not likely to be coming back to the conference room any time soon.
• Sims reminded the Board and the Secretary that the current board room needs to be made ADA accessible.  
• Secretary hopes to significantly expand the conference room in addition to making it ADA accessible when resources are available.

Cook County Sheriff - Tom Dart
Revenue: $6,797,999
Expenses:$284,937,121
Holdback:$25,413,144
Target Holdback;$38,884,424

Sheriff Dart appeared early and ran late at the Midyear Budget Hearings. Some Commissioners called it “extra innings” and other baseball analogies. But the Sheriff had much to say and the Commissioners had many questions. His session ran approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. Although there was some repetition, the Sheriff and the Commissioners are very concerned as his department might be facing $90 million in cuts from his current $600 million budget.

Some Highlights from the Sheriff’s Remarks:

•  The Sheriff began his remarks by stating he was perfectly “on budget’ until March when Covid hit.
• In March, due to Covid, he had to hire new people  (he said about 200) to open up , clean and staff long closed divisions in order to spread out the population. He also tests each detainee upon entry and quarantines them for 2 weeks. All of this has increased his need for personnel costs, including overtime.
• He also has 1000 more people on Electronic Monitoring (EM) as judges are trying to not put more people in the jail.  His jail population is about 4900, and his EM population is about 3300, both are up from
• He also has about 500 Illinois Dept. of Corrections’ inmates who have been sentenced, but are not being placed in prisons, due to Covid. On the positive side he has freed up some sheriff’s deputies who have not been serving evictions. But as the courts reopen, these deputies may go back to those duties.
• The Sheriff also talked at length about the other duties he has taken on recently. He named 3 South Suburbs that his police have been working with in a supplemental capacity (Dolton, Harvey, and Riverdale). He has also been supplementing the CPD on the West and South sides of Chicago during the protests.
• In addition he runs many mental health programs, mentoring programs for youth, job training programs, and opioid addiction treatment programs both in and out of the jail. He has trained his officers in crisis intervention and in the use of naloxone treatments, he said. For these reasons he will be having trouble cutting his budget.

Some Highlights from the Commissioners’ Questions and Comments:

• Many Commissioners congratulated him and asked detailed questions about testing, distancing and tracing. He said that as of July 20 he had only 16 cases that were positive, 10 of which came in that way. All detainees are tested upon entry and isolated for 2 weeks, no matter what the test results may be.
• Commissioner Suffredin asked for a list of all of the programs that sheriff’s deputies are involved with and the costs of each. The Sheriff said he would get that information.
• Commissioner Anaya asked about how the Sheriff planned to cut $90 million from his budget. He mentioned 3 ways: 

1. He hoped to cut staff through attrition. But he warned the board not to be too generous in the next          union contract talks since he is not part of those negotiations.
2. Branch courts could be closed (like Bridgeview and Rolling Meadows). He would then need to staff less officers in the court houses.
3. He could cut all transportation from the jail to the outlying courts for simple hearings that take 1 or 2 minutes. These could be done remotely. He would save the transportation costs for trials, plea bargaining, sentencing, etc.

• Commissioner Johnson asked about administrative costs. The Sheriff said a full review took place a few years ago in order to cut these. It was unclear if more could be cut. The Commissioner also asked for a list of school related programs that the deputies are involved with and their costs, such as those at Proviso and Richards high schools.

Observers - Diane Edmundson and Jan Goldberg