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 - 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

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting via Zoom
April 15, 2021
                     Attendance: all 17 commissioners were present. Meeting led by President Preckwinkle

Items of Interest Sent to Committee:

• Agenda Item 21-2634: This item involves the speeding up of payments to contractors, especially minority and women owned business enterprises. The goal is for these businesses to receive payment within 30 days. Electronic means will be utilized to aid in the process. Many Commissioners asked to be Co-Sponsors. This was sent to the Finance Committee.
• Agenda Item 21-2662: Declaration of Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis. This topic took up much discussion as statistics were explored (3893 shootings in 2020 as compared to 2536 in 2019, for example.) The cost of treating gun shot victims is between $30 and $40 million. Many Commissioners asked to be Co-Sponsors of this. It was referred to the Health and Hospital Committee.
• Agenda Item 21-2427: The requirement for progress reports on the Recorder of Deeds office as it is now under the Office of the Clerk. This item was referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee without discussion.

Board Action:

• Agenda Item 21-2133: Reappointment of Hedy Ratner to the head of the Human Rights Commission. Many Commissioners spoke out in favor of Ms. Ratner as many knew her and worked with her for many years on women’s issues. She is credited with much progress in the areas of reproductive rights and economic progress. Her tireless efforts have led to many county contracts with MBE and WBE (minority and women business enterprises).  She was called “a treasure of the 3rd district”.
• Agenda Item 21-2516- Cook County’s Disaster Proclamation was extended until May 31st. The same  2 Commissioners voted “No” (Degnan and Sean Morrison) but no reasons were given this month. The vote was 15-2.
• Agenda Item 21-2309 The Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC)  has an advisory board that wrote a report with recommendations for the JTDC. Much of the report centered around solitary confinement. The report was received and filed with the CC Board.  A spokesperson for Chief Judge Evans, Jim Anderson. announced the formation of a committee to study these recommendations. The Chicago Tribune reported on this committee in a short article the next day. It stated that Commissioner Suffredin would be on this committee along with former Commissioner Richard Boykin, among others.
• Agenda Item 21-2658- This resolution was passed to address violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Many commissioners asked to be added as co-sponsors as statistics were discussed on the increasing number of incidents of violence and harassment against these groups.
• Agenda Item 21-1369  The Performance Review Report was received and filed. There was no discussion.
• Agenda Item 21-2378- This proposed grant award for mass Covid-19 vaccinations in Cook County was accepted with much fanfare. President Preckwinkle announced that the 2 days prior to the meeting (April 13th and 14th) saw record daily numbers of people receiving doses through CCH (about 14,000 each day) She also announced the 500,000th dose had just been achieved  by CCH facilities. She also announced a brand new facility opening in Matteson.
• Agenda Item 21-1963- Peter Creticos’ firm was given a contract to work on the redistricting of Cook County Commissioners’ districts. President Preckwinkle thanked Commissioner Sims for leading the committee on this task, which she called “a thankless job”.
• Agenda Item 21-1218  The resolution condemning the Acts of Domestic Terrorism at the capitol on Jan.6,2021 received much support, much discussion, and an abundance of gratitude to Commissioner Johnson for bringing this to the board. Many Commissioners asked to be added as co-sponsors. Commissioner Deer quoted the preamble to the US Constitution about “insuring domestic tranquility” and added that there was none on that day.
• Agenda Item 21-2125- Sheila Chalmers-Curran, the Mayor of Matteson was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Cook County Land Bank Authority. 
• Agenda Item 21-2677- Modifications were made to the Land Bank Authority Ordinance including a change that will allow the Cook County President to appoint the Executive Director with approval of the Board of Directors of the Land Bank..

Recognized on the Consent Agenda were 2  individuals who have impacted Criminal Justice within Cook County. 

1. Amy Campanelli, the head of the Public Defenders office was given a great deal of thanks by many Commissioners and the President for her work. She just stepped down as her term was up and Sharone Mitchell was chosen to succeed her.
2. Pam Rodriguez, the head of TASC (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities), has retired.

Observer - Jan Goldberg                        Meeting Duration: 10am until 1:30 PM

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 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