Cook County Board of Commissioners - Committee Meetings 
Sept.17, 2025

Technology and Innovation Committee
Commissioners Continue to Seek Date for Property Tax Bills

The Committee received an update on where the Integrated Property Tax System stands.  The focus now is getting out the 2nd installment property tax bills first, and then working on the remaining issues for the entire System to “go live.”  

• Chief Information Officer (CIO) Tom Lynch said that each of the issues with the System have been taking about a week to get resolved with Tyler, the outside entity responsible for creating the System. There are 30 issues currently outstanding relating to the property tax bills.  David Byrne, the Treasurer’s Chief of Staff, stated that once they have the tax bill files, it will take a week to do testing to make sure there are no remaining issues.  Then, it will take 15 days to print and mail the property tax bills.  All of this means that it will like be at least another month and likely more if all goes well.
• CIO Lynch also explained that there are an additional 45 issues that have to be resolved before the System can go fully live.  
• Vice Chair Sean Morrison stressed the importance of knowing when the 2nd installment tax bills could reasonably expect to go out.  He said that County is working on putting in place the ability to provide bridge loans to local government entities who need them because of the failure to receive the property tax proceeds on time.  

The Committee separately approved:

• A contract for mobile services across the county government from CELLCO Partnership doing business as Verizon Wireless.  This contract will offer a savings of $422K over the prior contract. The Bureau of Technology representative stated this contract references one with Los Angeles County because its size and scope are comparable to Cook County’s and the rates were much better. (Item 25-3238) 

Observer: Carolyn Cosentino

Finance Committee Meeting
Moody’s Upgrades Cook County Bonds to Aa3

• Dean Constantinou, the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Cook County, reported that Moody’s had just upgraded Cook County bonds from A1 to Aa3.
• Comm. Britton said that it is unusual for a government of the size of Cook County to have such a high rating.  Comm. Sean Morrison commended the President and the Commissioners who were on the Board in 2016-17 for taking such steps as approving refinancing of old debt, which cut billions of dollars in payments, as well as addressing the pension reserve by making supplemental payments.  It was this attention to finances which Comm. Morrison said led to the current bond ratings.  Comm. Morrison said that as a result, all future financing costs will be much lower with this higher bond rating, which reduces the interest the County has to pay for the bonds.  Comm. Morrison pointed out that the County also pursued getting a change in state law that allows all governments to make higher payments to their pension reserves.  

The Committee recommended for approval:

• A resolution, as substituted, calling for the elimination of unnecessary degree requirements from County job descriptions and employment practices.  All officials and County agencies are to provide a status report to the Board on or before March 1, 2026.  The purpose is to open up County jobs to more people and to recognize when degrees are not necessary in order to perform some jobs. (Item 25-2910)
• Authorization for the State’s Attorney to enter into separate contracts with the Firehouse Community Arts Center in Chicago to establish support for a Juvenile Diversion pilot program as an alternative to juvenile detention in and around the North Lawndale neighborhood, and with the New Life Centers of Chicago for a similar diversion program for the Little Village Neighborhood. (Items 25-3232 and 25-3233)

The following item was again deferred:

• The proposal by the Office of the Chief Judge for a contract with Heartland Human Care Services for community-based residential spaces for court-involved youth.  This item was also deferred at the June committee meeting.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
Commissioners Approve Assessment of Mosquito Abatement Functions Within Cook County

The Committee meeting which began on Sept. 17, concluded on Sept. 18 when the Commissioners recommended for approval, as changed in the errata, an assessment of mosquito abatement activities across suburban Cook County to be conducted by the Cook County Department of Public Health.  The recommendations are to be reported to the President and Cook County Board by June 1, 2026.  (Item 25-3114)

Public speakers at the Committee meeting:

• Joe Ferguson of the Civic Federation spoke in favor of doing a study as outlined in the resolution. He stated his organization undertook a study and published a report in March of 2025 that found there was a need for equity in dealing with mosquito abatement throughout the County.  The Civic Federation’s recommendations are that the 4 Mosquito Abatement Districts (MADs) be dissolved and their functions and taxing authority be incorporated into Cook County Government. 
• Mark Clifton, Executive Director of the North Shore MAD, stated that there is a real need for the services provided by the MADs as climate change is exacerbating the need for control of mosquitos and mosquito borne diseases. He states that dedicated MADs provide better services than when the function is housed elsewhere and indicated that the 4 MADs have come together to begin to coordinate services. Experts are needed in the process going forward. 
• Jeffrey Kavitch, Sr. Policy Analyst at the Better Government Association (BGA). spoke in support of the resolution stating there are efficiency and equity concerns with the present system and the need for special taxing bodies should be evaluated. 

Committee discussion:

• Comm. Degnan thanked the speakers for their support and stated the intent of the study is to look for more equity in the services provided. She stated that she has been looking into this issue for the past several years and an assessment of the services and how they are provided needs to be evaluated by experts in the field.  She said this resolution is intended to provide for that.
• Comm. McCaskill wanted to ensure that the evaluation would include all 4 MADs and not just focus on the issues outlined with the South Cook MAD. She wanted to ensure that equity in services is the intent and that the purpose is not to shut down a district. She wanted clarification in the resolution that named all 4 districts and wanted such an amendment.
• Comm. Degnan indicated that the resolution called for all of Cook County to be included which would include the 4 MWDs and 9 other entities providing such services. She also indicated that she was willing to amend as Comm. McCaskill requested.  
• There was some discussion about the process for amending a resolution. Comm Daley indicating any amendment needed to be in writing. 
• Laura Lechowitz-Felicione, Legal Counsel for President Preckwinkle, stated the intent of this resolution is to formalize an assessment of the issue of mosquito abatement in Cook County. She also stated that the Board only has legal jurisdiction over the 4 MADs with their power of appointment of the Board Members for those districts. Possible recommendations for going forward may result from the study. 
• After further discussion it was decided that a vote on the resolution would be deferred until a continuation of their meeting on Sept. 18 when the amendment would be presented as an errata. The wording change included the names of all 4 districts - the North Shore MAD, Northwest MAD, Des Plaines Valley MAD and South Cook MAD. The Ordinance was approved as amended at the reconvened meeting on September 17 and will go to the Board Meeting for final approval.

Observer - Cynthia Schilsky

Environment and Sustainability Committee
Commissioners Approve the Large Event Facility Waste Diversion Ordinance

This ordinance is for suburban Cook County and follows a law that was passed in the state last year.   The County ordinance piggybacks on the State law that went into effect Jan 1, 2025.   The County ordinance will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026 in two phases:  kitchen areas (back of house) effective Jan 2026 and front of the house effective Jan 2027.  

Highlights of the discussion:

• Identifies about 13 facilities.  One example:  Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont
• Pertains to large facilities which allow greater than 3500 attendees
• Requires collection of glass, plastic and food waste
• The hope is that some of the food waste can be reused/donated
• Currently waste/recycling in Cook County is 73% to landfills, 18% recycled and 9% to compost
• County identifies a lot of work to do
• County is offering resources, webinars to educate waste haulers, vendors and facilities
• Chicago will pursue its own ordinance, currently drafting with help from the Cook County model
• No money to enforce the ordinance 
• New facilities are available, opening and expanding for composting
• There are concerns about older facilities being able to comply due to lack of physical space management
•  Expected quarterly reports from organizations to document results and compliance

Note:  The coalition that worked on this is the IL Food Scrap Coalition.
Observer:  Laura Davis

Asset Management Committee
Contract for Remodeling of County Building Approved

The Committee recommended for approval:

• A contract of $2.8M for Gensler Architecture to design and plan part of the 4th floor and all of the 7th and 8th floors of the County Building.  Comm. Degnen questioned the total cost associated for remodeling these floors.  Earl Manning, Director of the Office of Capital Planning & Policy, explained that this will be in addition to the $100M already approved for the actual construction on those floors.   A second architecture company will also be engaged and their cost will be in addition.
• The construction on the floors is being managed by a Construction Manager at Risk.   Mr. Manning said that unless there was a change in scope, there would not need to be any additional costs.
• Commissioner Degnen is concerned that the County’s internal workforce could be doing more of the design and construction work on this project and voted present.  (Item  25-3452)

Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board of Commissioners
Committee Meetings
March 12, 2024

Health and Hospitals Committee. 1 pm
Vaccine Preventable Disease was the focus of the report from CCH. Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, COO, made the presentation.  Boost Up Cook County has been the program title for the past year.  This year’s title is The Gift of Booster. Since currently school age children have the lowest vaccine rate in decades, immunizations awareness campaign is reaching out in a variety of ways and in multiple languages.  30 priority zip codes have been identified; outreach does extend beyond them. The goal for measles vaccines is 94%; there are concerns when it is under 90%. Shelters now have needs.  Some support is provided for efforts in Chicago and the CDC is also involved. Comm. Stamps moved and Comm. Lowry seconded approval of Item 24-1372. It was approved by the Committee.  Report can be viewed on the Legistar site for this meeting. Meeting adjourned at 1:45.

Environment and Sustainability Committee. 1:30 pm
A change in language to the Coal Tar Ban Ordinance was explained by Com Trevor to be a change from “asphalt based surfaces “ to “asphalt paved surfaces.” Committee Chair Degnan explained the item has been under discussion over months, that Com Trevor had spoken with business owners, lobbyists, and others. Details were explained in response to comments and questions from commissioners. A motion was made by Commissioner Trevor, seconded by Vice Chairwoman Morita, to accept as substituted and amended in the errata 23-5769. It passed in committee. Meeting began at 1:47pm and adjourned at 2:17pm.

Observer:  Carolyn Cosentino

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
February 28, 2024

Technology Committee:

• Various County Departments and Offices gave their Strategic Goals for Technology advancement. However, any observer watching via ZOOM could not see any of the reports shared by the various departments as they were not posted. 
• The Tech Department of the County is ready to use AI for various aspects of County work, but will not do so until the Board approves.
• Concerns by Board members on use of AI included:  racial bias and discrimination, expanding the surveillance state,  protecting residents with current policies such as sanctuary cities,  misuse, profiteering, misinformation, and that the current workforce not be decreased.
• Concern by some Board members of the costs of maintaining the legacy mainframe system due to continuous delays.
• Board of Review presentation highlighted modernization of website enhancements and other user upgrades  (TALEO for hiring, electronic signatures, etc)  There is still a lot of controversy in this Office regarding moving from an old computer system to the new Tyler system that the other tax offices are using.  The old system requires double entry to correlate with the other offices.  However, the next round of property taxes will be on time.
• Assessor says their complete upgrade will be ready to go live during the 3rd quarter of 2024.  Treasurer has become very efficient using technology automation—no longer using “paper.”
• Court System (Sheriff, Clerk, Clerk of the Court, Chief Judge, States Attorney)—all of these offices are in varying stages of fully moving to the more modern Tyler system.  Some goals for 2024:  provide WIFI in all courts, fully integrate with the other offices, get new tech vendors, security measures, data point mapping.

Rules and Administration Committee and Legislation and intergovernmental Relations Committee: 

• The paid leave ordinance (24-1181), which would give one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked up to 5 days per year, was deferred since some more changes need to be made for local governments who cannot afford to incorporate this requirement.  Many speakers were against this ordinance and a few for it.  An amendment to align with State law is being considered.  The amendment to the Paid Leave Ordinance (24-1233) was also deferred.  As a note:  after this meeting, the new substitute ordinance was listed as exempting ALL government entities from this paid leave requirement.  Essentially only private business will need to follow the ordinance.

Asset Management Committee: 

• Several Commissioners questioned why a lease for a new Restorative Justice Court in Sauk Village was being proposed when both the Public Defender and States Attorney sent letter stating they could not staff that new court in this budget year.  After a lot of questioning and controversy it was agreed to defer this item (24-1056) until the next meeting so that correct information could be obtained.

Environment and Sustainability Committee: 

• This Committee convened at about 4:30pm.  Six persons gave public testimony; five against and one for the Coal Tar Sealants Ban Ordinance (23-5769) Of the opponents of the ban were two employers, Coppers and Sealmaster, one representative of the Pavement Coatings and Technology Council, one lobbyist for the Chemical Industry and one employee in the industry. The only speaker for the ban represented the 40,000 members of the Friends of the Chicago River.  All speakers referenced studies supporting their positions.
• Having received additional information, which affected the wording of the proposed Ordinance after being placed on the agenda, the Committee stated that they would be deferring a vote on the Ban until the March Board Meeting. The Board accepted item 23-5769 Ban on Coal Tar Sealants, then accepted new wording for the proposed ban and finally deferred item 23-5769 as substituted.
• Deferral was requested by the sponsor of the Ban due to unexpected consequences on some industries and further substitution may be made to the wording before it is brought again before the committee.  The vote approved the deferral. The Committee adjourned immediately at 5:00pm

What to watch for in the next meetings:  

• Coal Tar Ban Ordinance
• Paid Leave Ordinance
• Sauk Village Court Lease
• Board of Review technology migration

​Observers:  Karin Hribar and Victoria Cerenich (Environment and Sustainability Committee)

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - May 10, 2017                               

Significant Decisions Made:  

• The Patriot Acres Special Use proposal to establish an organic materials recycling facility to convert landscape trimmings and food scraps into high quality compost in Des Plaines was approved with several additional conditions imposed.  The vote was 13 yeas and 2 nos from Comm. Goslin and Morrison.  Comm. Silvestri recused himself from discussion and voting and Comm. Schneider was absent. (Agenda Item ​17-2310)
• Accepted a grant from IDHA of $250,000 to be used for maintenance and demolition of abandoned property. (Agenda Item 17-3106)
• Comm. Boykin's Resolution urging suburban communities to consider adopting and working  constructively with  Chicago neighborhoods was approved. (Agenda Item 17-3227)
• Reappointment of Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS) Board members Hill Hammock, Mary Driscoll,  Robert Reiter.

Significant Topics Discussed and/or Referred to Committee: 

• Comptroller’s Report  -  The State of Illinois owes Cook County $105 million dollars - including money from 2016. County did recently receive a $40 million payment for 2017.  The Board discussed the possibility  of getting paid interest from the state under The Prompt Payment Act.
• Commission Suffredin introduced an ordinance allowing for the electronic filing of witness slips by the public on all issues that come before the Cook County Board and the Committees of the Board The ordinance was referred to the Rules Committee to be voted on at June 7 meeting. (Agenda Item 17-3293)

Other Testimony: 

• During CCHHS reports, Dr. Shannon was asked about what can be done about the gun violence problems.  His comments focused on the desperation in the communities and the need for jobs, education, other societal determinants of health and the need to improve the economics of the community.

Other Comments or Observations:

• The lengthy meeting was a result of the large number of individuals who testified on the Patriot Acres proposal. 

Observer: Syvia Tillman                                         Meeting Length:  5 hours including committee meetings