Cook County Board Committee Meetings
May 12 and 13, 2026
(see also the separate report on the May 12 Labor Committee meeting)

Cook County Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
May 12, 2026
Clerk’s Office Provides Update on 2026 Primary Election

At the request of the Cook County Board, the Cook County Clerk’s office provided an update on the March 2026 Primary Election.  (Item 26-1147) 
Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon provided a brief update via video

• She stated that the new system utilized by the Election Division of her office which was introduced for the March election is called Election Lens.
• The system will provide live updates from polling places; integrate the data from the Smart Mail-In Ballot Drop Boxes; and provide tracking for mail-in ballots. All the data from these sources will be integrated into Election Lens to provide a profile of how the election process is working and where there could be problems.
• AI is also being used at the call centers to expedite responses to calls. 

The CEO of KNOWiNK and Ed Michalowski, Deputy Clerk for Elections continued with the update. KNOWiNK is the company that makes the poll books the County uses for elections and is the company behind Election Lens. They provided a demonstration of how Election Lens will work making the following points:

• It will provide information on real time check-in of voters
• By integrating the data from the drop boxes for mail-in ballots all those ballots should be able to be counted on election day
• Provides tracking for all mail-in ballots in real time.
• Will assist with polling place readiness - to see how each precinct is operating and identify any problems. 
• There will be GPS tracking of all election equipment.

Questions from commissioners focused on who would be able to view the data collected. Would it be available to the general public? The Commissioners and their staff? The political parties? 

• Response was that those issues will need to be worked out and would depend on the type of data as well as ensuring security and privacy issues. 
• The head of Cybersecurity for the Clerk stated that the system has the highest level of security and they will be running a mock election this summer to further test the system. He also said they work closely with the Cook County Bureau of Technology to ensure they are in compliance with County regulations, and they meet with them monthly. 
• Comm. Britton asked how the integration of election results between Chicago and the County is progressing. Mr. Michalowski said it could be done if the Chicago Board of Elections is willing. Comm. Daley said that he is also requesting the Chicago Board of Elections to come before the Commissioners to provide their update. 

The Committee also approved a resolution that would initiate a process to engage an organization to develop a process to develop a youth council to provide a voice to the young people of the County. 

• It is intended that the council will consist of 20 young people between the ages of 14-21 and will launch in 2027. (Agenda Item 26-1017) Commissioners thought this was a good way to provide an administrative approach to engaging youth and wanted to be sure it had representation from all aspects of the County and a workforce component was also suggested. Comm. Lowry stated that the Commissioners would be asked for input into the development once the organizing agency was selected. 

Also approved was the appointment of Olive Brown as the Resident Commissioner to the Housing Authority of Cook County. (Item 26-1188)

​Observer - Cynthia Schilsky

Cook County Criminal Justice Committee Meeting
May 13, 2026
On Split Vote, Committee Approves Automated License Plate Readers & Services Contract

The Committee approved all 3 agenda items, but the first one seeking approval for an Automated License Plate Readers and Services Contract (26-1043) passed on a split vote with 13 ayes, 3 nays (Comms. Anya, Stamps, and Vasquez), with 1 absent (Gainer).  Under the contract, Insight Public Sector would continue to provide services and increase the number of stationary Automated License Plate Readers at a cost of $900,000 over 2 years thru (April 30, 2028) with 2 one-year renewal options. 

• There were several public speakers: three Police Chiefs in person and several chiefs online. All spoke to the importance of having license plate readers (LPRs) in their communities and across communities.  They referenced specific incidences regarding violent crimes, carjacking, hit and runs, and missing persons.  One chief said that LPRs are important for public trust.
• The County first contracted for cameras as an emergency procurement in 2022 when the County had a crisis with carjackings.  Commissioner Miller shared her own experience with being carjacked before cameras were available.
• Cook County already has 71 cameras deployed
• Concern was raised with data shared and how long it is kept. Currently held for 30 days unless there is a link with a crime.  Commissioners want to be notified if the Sheriff extends the 30-day retention.
• Concern was raised with misuse of the data in regard to targeting immigrants or people accessing abortion services. Data can only be accessed by others through FOIA or a court order/subpoena.
• If there is a data breach, the Commissioners want to be notified. Expectation is within 24 hours. 
• Cook County has its own Professional Services Agreement (PSA) which guides and restricts how data can be used.  Several Commissioners asked for a copy of the PSA and expressed concern with county data shared with 3rd parties.
• Other information shared about the cameras is there is no facial recognition, no capability to see individual people in the car, and it is not used for predictive policing.

The two other items passed unanimously by those at the meeting were:

• Resolution in support of Illinois SB2801/HB4471 which provides that a person commits the offense of unlawful possession of weapons when the person knowingly manufactures, sells, or offers to sell, purchase, receive, manufacture, import, or transfer a convertible pistol. Also provides that a machine gun also includes any convertible pistol equipped with a switch. If a switch is added to these guns they can shoot up to 1,200 rounds per minute. (item 26-1198)
• IL Criminal Justice Information Intergovernmental Agreement that provides for data sharing among local governments regarding community violence intervention programs under the Government Alliance for Safe Communities. The goal is to streamline metrics, investments and analyze local impact of community violence intervention strategies in Cook County and coordinate where resources go with the research partnership of Northwestern University. (Item 26-0553)

Observer:  Laura Davis

Cook County Health and Hospital Committee
May 12, 2026 
Committee Hears that Agency Use Is Down at CCH

• At this Committee meeting, Cook County Health Chief Human Resource Officer Win Buren and Executive Chief Operating Officer Craig Williams presented Cook County Health’s Semi-Annual Agency Utilization Report for the period of October 2025 through March 2026.
• Cook County Health (CCH) is required to provide a Bi-Annual Agency Utilization Report to comply with Resolution 24-5841 of the Cook County Board. The Board had a concern about the number of jobs being filled with people from external agencies, as opposed to County employees.  These bi-annual reports will no longer be required once CCH agency utilization does not exceed 20% of the budgeted Full Time Equivalents (FTE) personnel for each job classification approved in the annual budget by the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
• The overall trend is downward for agency usage for all job categories. 
• Job titles accounting for high % of agency usage are: Clinical Nurse I; Health Information Management Coder; Third Party Bill Follow Up Representative and Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Commissioner Daley asked for further information on the impact of absenteeism and usage of agency.
  
• Commissioner Stamps asked about effectiveness of the job recruiting fairs. Mr. Buren reported that currently 71% of newly hired nurses came through job fair events. 
• Nick Shields, Cook County Health’s Chief External Affairs and Civic Engagement Officer, said in response to Commissioner Stamps’ question about the health system’s work with high schools in Chicago and the suburbs that he is holding ongoing meetings with Chicago Public Schools and contacting suburban districts to set up preceptor and other student opportunities.

Observer:  Susan Avila

Finance Committee 
May 13, 2026
Committee Approves Reallocation of ARPA Dollars for Gun Violence Prevention

• To ensure all Federal dollars under the American Rescue Plan Act are spent, the Committee approved a reallocation of those dollars to increase the amounts to entities which have consistently provided timely financial and program reporting under the Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grants.  (Item 26-0554)
• Also approved a proposed contract for consulting services with ICF Incoporated for $5.9 M thru the end of 2031 to manage $244 M for unmet housing and recovery needs resulting from disasters that occurred in 2023-24.  It was stated that the County does not have the capacity to manage this on its own.  (item 26-1064)
• After a long discussion, approved a contract for law enforcement entry-level and promotional testing services for use by the Cook County Merit Board, which is responsible for doing the initial assessment that someone is qualified for an entry-level position or promotion in the Sheriff’s departments.  However, the Merit Board does not actually make the hiring or promotion decisions, which are with the Sheriff.  Much of the discussion centered on whether there are any requirements that someone who is hired and trained then works for some minimum time before leaving, as a result of discussions that occurred at the Labor Committee meeting on May 12.  However, that does not come under the Merit Board’s purview.  (Item 26-1014)
• Deferred was a Substitute resolution to continue the Recruitment Incentive and Retention Bonus Program.  Sponsors Anaya and Degnen explained that the deferral was to work out some language with the President’s office, but they expected that to be resolved quickly. (item 25-1251)
• The Comptroller reported that through March 31:  the General Fund has a favorable $261.7 M as compared to budget and the Health Fund has a favorable $27.7 M as compared to budget.  For this fiscal year, the Federal Government has cancelled $700,000 worth of one-time grants to the County.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Asset Management Committee     
May 13, 2026
Concerns Raised about Length of Time to Award Contract
The Committee approved a contract for demolition and renovation of buildings at Cook County Jail. (26-1057)   It was noted that it took 2 years from the time of the request for proposal (RFP) to actually awarding the contract.

• Commissioner Degnen asked what happened in the process for it to take so long.  Raffi Sarrafian, Chief Procurement Officer, did not have the details of the process and said he would get that information to her.  Commissioner Degnen said the Asset Management staff should have expected that a Commissioner would ask about the length of time and have that information ready for the meeting.

Jamie Meyers, Interim Bureau Chief of Asset Management, presented the annual report of the 2025 Build Up Cook Program.  The purpose of the program is to help municipalities maintain critical infrastructure such as water supplies, as well as assess future needs.   

• Examples of the work included: helping Harvey repair a major break in its water supply main; assessing public buildings for structural integrity with 24 municipalities; training water operators on maintenance and repair; and helping villages compete for federal funding for projects. The report was received and filed (26-1144)

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Contract Compliance Committee
May 13, 2026
Committee Reviews Annual Diversity Report

• Raffi Sarrafian, Chief Procurement Officer presented the 2025 Annual Diversity Report which records the amount of contractual work and money going to women owned, minority owned, and small businesses (MWBE). The report was received and filed (26-0815)
• The Department has goals for inclusion of MWBE business in the procurement process with prescribed benchmarks but not quotas or set-asides. The methodology is used by many municipalities and is legally defensible.
• Of the total of $1.08B awarded for County contracts, $231M went to MWBE entities, which is 21%.  Separately, Cook County Health had a total of $1.6B in awarded contracts with $209M going to MWBE, which is 28%.
• The Department currently has 706 businesses certified as MWBE that can bid on work. The Department has a goal to increase that number. Asset Management consults with other departments on creating their contract requirements so that smaller businesses can participate.
• The Business Service Organization of the Economic Development Department provides support to businesses in getting their MWBE certification.

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Cook County Environment & Sustainability Committee 
May 13, 2026
Committee Approves Resolution to Advance the Chicago Area Waterway System Ecological Health

This one item was passed unanimously (26-1238).

• The Chicago Waterway System is 76.1 miles of canal and modified natural rivers which are home to a variety of wildlife, plants and fish, with fish species, rising from 10 in 1974 to 77 species in 2026. This indicates significant improvements in water quality and aquatic habitat. 
• The next goal is to target “hot spots” from years of pollutants that drop to the river bottom. The work will be performed by the US Army Corps and US EPA and the resolution was passed last year by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and  by the City of Chicago earlier this year.

Observer:  Laura Davis 

Finance Committee Meeting
April 15, 2026
Commissioners Closely Reviewing Reallocation of ARPA Dollars

The proposed reallocation of almost $2.3 M of previously committed federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) generated the most discussion at the meeting before being approved by the Committee on a vote of 16 yea’s, with Comm. Moore voting present. (Item 26-0828)

• The Commissioners were told that the County had determined that some entities and programs previously awarded ARPA dollars were not going to be able to spend the full amount by December 31, the last date for use of those dollars.  In order to not turn any money back, this proposal is to reallocate the dollars to 3 programs and entities for behavioral health that have demonstrated the ability to spend ARPA amounts already allocated and which entities could put the additional dollars to good use. 
• $112,000 to the Chinese American Service League, $1.2 M to the Communities in Schools of Chicago, and $954,000 to the Juvenile Protective Association.
• Dr. Thomas Nutter, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Cook County Health, explained that $44 M of ARPA dollars was previously awarded to 52 entities throughout the County for behavioral health programs.  A report on the impact of these grants through 2025 should be released soon.  Commissioner Stamps asked what the metrics for success are.  Dr. Nutter said that some of the metrics are simply how many people were “touched,” by the programs, but other metrics deal with outcomes.
• Comm. Stamps also asked why is additional money being given to these entities, as opposed to seeking new programs and entities.  Chief Financial Officer Tanya Anthony explained that ARPA dollars cannot be awarded now to new entities, but can only be reallocated under existing agreements.  In response to Comm. Sean Morrison’s question, he was assured that what is proposed here is allowed under the ARPA regulations.
• Comm. McCaskill pointed out that none of the 3 entities and programs will be providing the services in South Suburban Cook or the South side of Chicago.  In response to Comm. Stamps, Dr. Nutter did say that some of the 52 entities and programs which originally received grants did provide services in these areas.  Chair Daley said that all people coming before the Board should be prepared to show what and how much is being provided in all areas of the County.

The Committee also voted to authorize the Justice Advisory Council to provide up to $1.02 M to Heartland Human Care Serviced for 1 year starting May 1 for the Supporting Education and Employment Development (SEED) Program. (Item 26-0552)

• This Program provides education and employment services directed to 18 to 26 year-olds who have the opportunity to have criminal charges for selling drugs dismissed upon successful completion of the program’s requirements.  The Commissioners were told that this is the first of its kind diversion programs because of the services provided.
• Comm. Degnen said she was voting yes, but said she was very disappointed that the money being used to fund this extension of the program had originally been designated for environmental programs, such as installation of electric car charging stations.  She said she does not understand why the County had not been able to utilize the money for those programs.

The County Committee heard from the Comptroller that for the first 3 months of the fiscal year (thru Feb. 2026)

• The County’s General Fund has a surplus of $234.5M as compared to budget, due to a positive $204.5M in revenues and $30M less in expenses than budgeted.
• The Health Fund has a slight negative net of -$3 M as compared to budget on a cash basis, with a -$39.5M in revenues and $36.5 M less in expenses than budgeted.
• Illinois owes the County $98 M.
• The Federal government has cancelled $27 M in grants this fiscal year.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Finance Subcommittee on Litigation Meeting
April 15, 2026 
Inspector General Report Generates Commissioner Questions

Independent Inspector General Tirrell Paxton presented an overview of the 2025 4th Quarter Report.  (Item 26-0691)

• Commissioner Moore asked what happened when a case was determined to be unfounded, i.e., how did the employee who may have been investigated show that; is there any kind of letter stating that. IG Paxton said that since the fact that there is an investigation is confidential, there should be no need for any documentation of that there was no adverse finding. Comm. Moore cited an individual who feels he needs such documentation. Paxton advised that the individual should contact his office.
• Commissioner Daley asked Paxton to estimate how many cases were referred to appropriate county, state or US legal offices for prosecution and results. Paxton estimated that about 100 cases had been referred and that none had been followed up.
• Commissioner Stamps inquired as to how many Payroll Protection Plan (“PPP”) cases were still being investigated or reviewed. IG Paxton stated that he estimated the remaining PPP cases would be wrapped up within the next couple of months.
• Commissioner Sean Morrison said he was very concerned about the PPP fraud cases as this was costing Federal taxpayers a considerable amount of money. He urged IG Paxton to continue following up on the cases with the U.S., IL and Cook County legal offices. He was interested to note that there were Cook County departments that did not have Do Not Hire lists, which meant that employees could possibly get rehired by another office in the County when they had committed fraud or other county employee violations. He indicated this was an issue that needs further consideration by the Board.

Observer:  Hollis Burgess

Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Committee Meeting
April 15, 2026
Resolution Urging Illinois to Opt-In to Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program Deferred

• The meeting began with comments from 14 Public Speakers. After one person spoke in favor of approval of the resolution “Urging the State of Illinois to opt-in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program” (Agenda Item 26-0974), Chairperson Britton stated that this item was being deferred and would not be voted on by the committee at this meeting, but comments were welcomed. Seven persons then spoke against approval of this item with most indicating such a program would only divert funds from public schools. 

Three resolutions dealing with environmental concerns were approved as a package: 

• Resolution “Urging Passage of the Climate Change Superfund Act” ( SB2981/HB4773) – which requires payments from entities deemed responsible for climate change to support climate resilient infrastructure and mitigation efforts. (Item 26-0977)
• Resolution “Urging Members of Congress to Reject Legal Immunity for Big Oil and Fossil Fuel Companies” - urging the US congress to reject all legislation granting fossil fuel companies immunity from climate-related lawsuits and shield them from legal and legislative accountability.  (Item 26-0978) 
• Resolution Urging the Passage of SB1531 (The Disposable Food Service Container Act) which would eliminate polystyrene foam disposable food service containers in Illinois by 2030. (Item 26-0978)
• Comm. Degnan spoke to the necessity of addressing the many environmental issues resulting from climate change and pollution and requiring those responsible for creating problems to pay for efforts to alleviate the effects. She stated that giving immunity to oil and fossil fuel companies should not be allowed. She also emphasized that the environment is everyone’s concern and should not be politicized. Several commissioners thanked her for bringing these issues forward. 

Observer - Cynthia Schilsky

Health and Hospital Committee Meeting
April 14, 2026 – (special meeting)
Commissioners Learn of Educational Efforts on CTE

Dr. Kiran Joshi, head of the Cook County Dept. of Public Health, and Chris Nowinksi of the Concussion and CTE Foundation, provided information on the damage awareness programs for Chronic Traumatic Encephlopathy (CTE). 

• CTE is a brain disease likely caused by repeated head injuries, often occurring in contact sports or military combat.
• Dr Joshi reported on the following educational awareness programs: School personnel education; Public education through social media channels; and working with Park District Association Partnership to raise awareness through newsletters and other events. 
• Multiple persons presented public testimony focused on the personal experience with CTE emphasizing education for both the public and medical community.  
• Commissioners Stamps, Miller, Morrison and McCaskill followed the presentation with more personal experience and the need to outline the risk factors for CTE and preventive measures. 

The motion to defer item # 26-0649 was passed unanimously.

Observer: Susan Avila 

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
April 16, 2026
Board Continues to Approve Transfer of ARPA Dollars to Ensure Use by End of 2026

President Preckwinkle expressed the Board’s condolences to the family of former Commissioner Dennis Deer on the death of his widow.  Most items were either approved, referred to committee or received and filed with no discussion.

• Two items were approved which transfer unspent ARPA dollars from other programs to the County’s Down Payment Assistance Program tor prospective buyers of homes.  (Items 26-1120 and 26-1149).  Commissioner Scott expressed support and received leave to have a Club 720 representative also speak in favor.
• Two resolutions in support of pending Illinois legislation were passed:  IL SB2801 and HB4471 prohibiting licensed firearm dealers from selling or transferring any semi-automatic handgun that can be converted into a machine gun manually (item 26-1199); and HB4312/SB3020, to expand the definition of harassment to include electronic harassment and authorizing appropriate measures to protect victims of domestic violence (Item 26-1191). 
• All proposed re-appointments of individuals to various boards were approved.  The one new appointment of Olive Brown to the Housing Authority of Cook County was referred to the Legislation Committee (Item 26-1188)

Among the items referred to Committee were 

• A request for the County Clerk’s office to appear to provide an update on the March elections and any new initiatives (Item 26-1147; referred to Legislation & Intergovt. Relations).
• Representatives from relevant departments to discuss improving processes in distribution of property tax revenues to the 685 taxing bodies in Cook County (Item 26-1230; referred to Legislation & Intergovt. Relations);
• Hiring consulting services to help with distribution of Federal dollars for housing and recovery from disasters in 2023-24 (Item 26-1064 referred as amended to Finance); 
• Continuation of the Recuritment Incentive and Retention Bonus Pay Program (Item 26-1251; referred to Finance)
• A public hearing on the state of Cook County Government’s labor (Item 26-1249, referred to Labor)

Public speakers included:

• Representative of Posen, IL, asking for assistance with expenses, particularly 911 dispatch. item 26-0868
• Minister asked to move funds from State’s Attorney and Sheriff’s Office to prevention programs.
• Two speakers on treatment of those jailed by county and conditions of jails.
• Two speakers on financial literacy issues and programs. Re item 26-1190
• Three people who aired personal problems with system (county or otherwise)
• Speaker complaining money and services going to immigrants instead of county residents

Observer:  Hollis Burgess

Cook County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee Meeting
October 28, 2025

Board of Review – Larry Rogers, Jr., George Cardenas, Samantha Steele

Proposed 2026 Budget:  $ 23.96 Million    Proposed 2026 Positions:              177.0
Actual 2025 Budget:        $ 21.30 Million    Actual 2025 Approved Positions:   167.0
Difference:                          +$   2.66 Million    Difference:                   + 10.0

Comm. Rogers, the current chair of the Board of Review (BoR), had a conflict, so Liliana Escarpita, the Secretary to the BoR, gave the presentation.  Comms. Cardenas and Steele were also present to answer questions.

• The additional positions are for each of the Commissioner’s staffs (now each has 42 positions), administration, Information technology, and Legal.  The BoR will be negotiating its first contract with a bargaining unit that will now be representing 2/3s of the employees.  A labor counsel and additional person in personnel are being added as a result.
• The amount of budgeted overtime is being cut by 36% as a result of the additional positions and further efficiencies in dealing with appeals, also made possible with the additional technology positions.  For 2025, the BoR will utilize less than the budgeted overtime.
• Comm. Lowry asked whether the Assessor and BoR are now using the same parameters for assessments.  Comm. Steele said that the Assessor is not loading the CAP rate for all commercial properties, which results in over-assessment.  
• Comm. Steele said that a major reason for inaccurate assessments by the Assessor is the lack of physical review of all properties in the County.  Every county, except Cook, is required under state law to have such reviews.  However, Comm. Steele said that the cost is high:  she estimated $60 per parcel and Cook has 1.6 M parcels, 1.2 M of which are residential.  The benefits would be more accurate assessments resulting in fewer appeals and the public having more confidence in the assessments, which would also help reduce the number of residents and businesses leaving the County.  Comm. Steele said that Cook County has a 33% appeal rate vs. about 5% nationwide.
• Comm. McCaskill asked why drones and advanced software were not being used to accomplish the physical reviews.  Comm. Britton mentioned that the Board had recently approved a contract to utilize drones and Comm. McCaskill might want to talk to the Technology Bureau or Jim Thompson, the Director of Tax Policy for the President.
• Comm. Vasquez asked whether there are any specific policies that should be pursued at the State level.  Comm. Steele said a cap on assessment increases for properties.  She said that her staff was talking about looking at the impact of having ICE agents active in the area on people not coming to events to  learn how to appeal and on small businesses closing due to lack of customers.  Comm. Cardenas added that there needs to be a circuit breaker to help lower income people pay property taxes.

Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners – Sandra Aspera, Executive Director
Proposed 2026 Budget:  $ 23.57 Million    Proposed 2026 Positions:                4.0
Actual 2025 Budget:        $   1.05 Million    Actual 2025 Approved Positions:     4.0
Difference:                            +$ 22.52 Million    Difference:                       --

Also appearing with Ms. Aspera were Max Bever, Director of Public Information, and Adam Lasker, General Counsel for the Board of Elections (BoE).  The BoE is responsible for voter registration and elections within the City of Chicago, while the Cook County Clerk handles those functions for Suburban Cook County.  The BoE is partially funded by the County and partially by Chicago.

• Ms. Aspera gave the overview.  For 2026 the BoE will handle the March 17 Primary and November 3 elections and will recruit and train 8,000 election workers, 2,000 of which are expected to be high school and college election judges.  The Board will also be handling the election of 21 candidates for the Chicago School Board.  A new Super Site will be located at 137 S. State in downtown Chicago.  The BoE has a new not-for-profit postage rate that resulted in a savings of $600,000 for the annual voter canvas.
• Comm. Stamps asked whether there is a budget to use to expand voter participation in lower turnout areas.  Mr. Bever explained that in addition to the annual voter canvas, there is a mailing to households closer to the election which provides the closest early voting location and the local polling location, as well as provide information on voting by mail.  There is also reach-out via publications and working with community groups and churches.  There will also be a new mobile app that will allow for reminders for voting. The costs for all of this is covered by the budget funded by Chicago. 
• Comm. Stamps asked about whether there is a danger that vote-by-mail will not be allowed.  Mr. Lasker said there is a challenge at the U.S. Supreme Court on Illinois’ 14-day period to count vote-by-mail ballots postmarked on or before election day, but received after that day.  Mr. Lasker said that the worst-case scenario resulting from that case would be that Illinois would not be able to count such ballots received after election day.  Mr. Bever said that the BoE currently has 150,000 registered voters on the permanent vote-by-mail list and that roughly 1/3 of those casting ballots use vote-by-mail ballots, either mailing or using the secure drop boxes.
• Comm. Vasquez asked whether there are discussions about beefing up election central to receive calls in the event that ICE agents would be near the polls or attempting to enter into the polls.  The response was that election central is going to be beefed up, but that there is a need to bring the discussion up with the State Board of Elections.  
• Comm. Morita asked whether there are any functions that the BoE does that are not done by the Clerk’s office for Suburban voters.  Given the answer was “no,” Comm. Morita asked whether there are redundancies that could be eliminated if the two offices merged.  Mr. Bever said that he did not see any significant cost savings that could be achieved because the same number of election workers and polling places and equipment would be needed.  Each election authority has roughly 1.5 M voters.

Public Administrator – Louis Apostol
Proposed 2026 Budget:  $ 1.955 Million    Proposed 2026 Positions:              15.0
Actual 2025 Budget:        $ 1.890 Million    Actual 2025 Approved Positions:   15.0
                Difference:           +$ 0.065 Million    Difference:                       --

Louis Apostal could not be there so the General Counsel for the Office, Leah Jakubowski, gave the presentation. 

• The Office manages estates for those who die without a will and works to find the heirs.  The fees for such management are charged to the estates, and the Office generates far more money than its expense budget.  It has generated $2.2 M in fees in 2025 and expects to have received 120% of its target revenue by the end of the year.
• Comm. Stamps asked about community engagement to educate people, particularly in lower income areas, about what happens if you die without a will.  Ms. Jakubowski said that there has been none, but that as a result of similar questions from Comm. Stamps at the mid-year budget review, the office is starting to identify community organizations that the Office could contact to offer to send a speaker.  Comm. Stamps strongly recommended that the Office connect with the Clerk’s office which has a “Property after Death” program.
• Comm. Stamps also asked where the estates that the Office manages are located.  Ms. Jakubowski said that the Office would provide a list by zip code.

​League Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting 
December 16, 2021

Cook County’s Plan for Use of American Rescue Plan Funds

• The Commissioners voted to refer the proposal to extend the  American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Framework through March 31, 2022 to  the Finance Committee.   Commissioner Dailey said a meeting will be held the week of January 10th dedicated to ARPA.
• ​Led by Anmar Rizki, members of President Preckwinkle’s staff presented the framework for using the ARPA funds and the proposed short- term initiatives.    The framework  for selecting projects including objectives and method of soliciting feedback from the community was first presented to the Board in June.  The County received $1 billion.  The money will be spent on County operations, near term funding opportunities to improve the lives of residents, and transformative initiatives.  The plan is to use a third of the money in  each of the next 3 years.  In this fiscal year  $100 million will be spent on County operations to make up for the revenue loss due to covid.   $285 million will be spent in community program initiatives.
• The near term proposed projects were presented to the Board.   Of special interest was a grant to  Cook County Health. To meet the growing behavioral health needs of Cook County residents, Cook County Health (CCH) proposes transforming its current Behavioral Health footprint to offer a robust menu of mental and behavioral health services and ensure easy access to services of all County residents. The first year will focus on creating and setting up a new Department of Mental Health Services, expanding existing CCH programs, and planning for long term expansions.
• In the area of violence prevention, funds will be given to the Justice Advisory Council to expand  community-based services supporting justice-involved adults or youth, and those at high risk of experiencing violence as either a victim or perpetrator. Communities served include areas in Chicago and suburban Cook County with highest incidents of shootings and homicides as well as justice system involvement. Services include direct street-level intervention, mentoring, basic needs assistance, educational and vocational programming, and behavioral health and wellness support.
• For more information click here: ARPA Rescue Plan at a Glance
• For an explanation of the framework and process for choosing programs click here: Cook County American Rescue Plan Act Framework Board of Commissioners Briefing

 
Board Action:

• The Board approved the request by the Cook County Clerk to consolidate some voting precincts.           Ed Michalowski from the County Clerk’s Office presented their plan to combine precincts that vote in the same polling places.  169 polling places would be eliminated. It is estimated that the County will save $200,000 for each election. Fewer election judges and equipment would be needed. It also would be less confusing for the voters. The change needed to be approved at this meeting, because the Clerk's office needs to publicize the new precincts before primary candidates start seeking signatures on their petitions. The Cook County League of Women Voters sent a letter in support of this change. There were several public speakers including mayors of suburbs who spoke against this. Some of them thought that the polling places would be changed which is not the case. Some thought they should have  had more time to review these changes. Commissioner Aguilar proposed deferring the request until a meeting could be held on it. The proposal to defer was defeated.
• Approved the Sheriff’s office request for  authorization to continue the Intergovernmental Agreement between that office and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago to collect and dispose of pharmaceutical drugs. The Sheriff’s Office will expand the Prescription Drug Take-Back Program in which pharmaceutical drugs are collected and disposed of through environmentally sound methods to maximize the volume of pharmaceutical drugs prevented from entering the Chicago Area Waterway System.  Commissioner Suffredin spoke in support of the item.  
• Approved the amendment to the Ethics Ordinance to reflect the changes required by the passage of Illinois Ethics and Lobbying Statute.   The Ordinance had been on hold while waiting for Illinois to pass its statute.   County officials will be under the state statute in regard to lobbying restrictions.   The County ordinance also strengthened the power of the Ethics Board and included a section on sexual harassment.  
• Approved a resolution to have a hearing on the environmental, social, and governance factors in the choice of investments by the County Pension Plan.
• Approved the establishment of the Cook County Health Intervention Response Team Task Force. The Task Force will create a pilot program to devise a continuum of care for those experiencing mental and behavioral health needs.
• Approved authorization for the contract amendment for the demolition of the John Sengstacke Health Center on the Provident Hospital campus.   The demolition was delayed due to covid and should be completed in early spring.
• Approved a resolution to have a meeting of Cook County elected officials and departments to discuss a county-wide anti-violence strategy.

 
​Observer: Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board of Commissioners - December 12, 2018
            Committees: Rules and Administration, Zoning and Building, Finance
​Meeting Length:  2 hours

What did the Board decide?

• At a previous Board meeting, it was decided that starting in 2019, all committees will meet the day prior to the regular Board meeting instead of the same day.  This was reiterated to the audience since one speaker complained. 
• Comm. Suffredin explained general procedures for approval of court cases, litigation and workers comp payments and encouraged new Board members to learn about these cases.  Judges are pleased to discuss this with new Board members.  
• Unanimous approval by the Board to repeal a parking tax break (Ordinance 18-5789) for parking app users such as Spot Hero. The tax was scheduled to drop to 1.75% in January, but with the repeal the tax will remain at 6%.
• Approved the creation of a Census Count Commission  (Agenda Item 19-0733)

What else did the Board discuss or refer to committee?
​
         The following items were referred to these respective committees:
Legislation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee

• Ordinance to increase age for purchase of tobacco products to 21 (Agenda Item 19-0605)
• Amendment to the Inspector General Ordinance that would enable financial and prison penalties for leaking confidential Inspector General reports information (Agenda Item 19-0602)

Criminal Justice Committee

• Restrictions on the use of Gang Intelligence Data Base (Agenda Item 19-0687)
• Create a Charitable Rotating Bond Fund (Agenda Item 19-0768)

Finance Committee

• Fair Elections Program and Fund which would provide public matching funds of up to $1,500,000 per year  for Cook County elected offices and commissioner elections (Agenda Item 19-0689)

Economic Development Committee

• Historical Property Tax Exemption (Agenda Item 19-0688)

 
Observer - Karin Hribar