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 of Commissioners Meeting
May 13, 2021
Attendance: all 17 commissioners were present. Meeting led by President Preckwinkle
Public Speakers

• Congressman Robin Kelly spoke to the board about President Biden’s efforts to fight gun violence. He is proposing $5 Billion to fund community-based violence prevention programs. It includes job training and job opportunities.  The Justice Department would report on gun trafficking and  would establish model red flag laws for the states to use.   She also discussed separate bills that she is working on to fund community programs. She and other Congressmen have written to the Appropriations Committee to increase funding for these community- based initiatives.  Several commissioners spoke in support of these efforts.   Commissioner Lowry wants to work on a high school program on teaching conflict resolution.  Commissioner Daley said that he was proud of Cook County’s investment in violence prevention projects in minority areas. The Judicial Advisory Council receives quarterly reports on the outcomes of the investments. 
• There were two resolutions connected to gun violence.
• Commissioner Deer spoke in support of his resolution 21-2664 declaring gun violence a public health crisis. This was later approved
• 21-3157  A resolution supporting the Biden Harris Administration Gun Violence Prevention Plan.   Approved.
• Jacky Glass of Hargrove Hospital spoke in support of resolution 21-3123 recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness month. This resolution was approved.

Board Action 

• 21-2034  Inspector General’s report for first quarter 2021. There was no discussion.  It was received and filed. 
• 21-2894   Changes the  County Board meeting date from Sept 16 to Sept. 23.  Changes  the Rules and Finance Committees meetings from Sept 15 to Sept 22.  Approved.
• 21-3092   Report from the CFO on expenditures related to Coronavirus Relief Funds, the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Grant, and Emergency Rental Assistance from March 1, 2020 through March 30, 2021.  There was no discussion.  It was received and filed.
• 21-3130  Ordinance amendment to add the Special State’s Attorneys’ reports to be submitted to the Litigation Subcommittee.   It provides that the State’s Attorney and Special State’s Attorney provide prior notice and justification to the Litigation Subcommittee prior to settling any matter in excess of $500,000.   They also must provide advance notice of any matter that they anticipate will be settling in excess of $500,000. Referred to the Finance Committee.
• 21-3131  Kevin Morrison  proposed the Cook County Information Technology Reporting Ordinance.  It requires that all separately elected officials funded by Cook County have to submit reports on IT projects. The purpose of the ordinance is to streamline IT reporting and to ensure regular updates on projects.   Referred to Technology and Innovation Committee
• 21=3145  Cook County’s Proclamation of Disaster was extended through June30.   There was no discussion, but Commissioners Degnen and Sean Morrison voted no.   
• 21-3149  Proposed resolution requesting a hearing into the policies and practices of the County and Forest Preserve to  protect the civil rights of immigrants,  BIPOC residents, and visitors within  Cook County.  This was referred to the Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
• 21-3166   Proposed resolution for a racially equitable and thriving recovery, by investing the County’s allocation of the American Rescue Plan funding in public services in Black, Brown, and poor communities not administered by law enforcement.   Referred to the Finance Committee.  
• 21-3168  Authorizes the Bureau of Economic Development to enter into a grant agreement with the Friends of the Forest Preserve to support the COVID-19 Youth Conservation Corps summer employment program.  Approved.
• 21-3171  Proposed ordinance for COVID-19 vaccination rights for employees and employer obligations.   Provides that employees have the right to be vaccinated during work hours and employers cannot retaliate against them.     Referred to Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee.

Other Items

• 21-2307  Approval of contract extension for the demolition of Division 1 at the jail.  Commissioner Miller questioned why there was an  extension.   Commissioner Anaya asked for the pause in the work because the residents of the Little Village neighborhood had concerns over the demolition.  The County held community meetings on how the process would work and installed air monitoring equipment. Commissioner Kevin Morrison asked  about preserving some of the historical pieces from the jail such as parts of the edifice and parts of Al Capone’s cell.  The County Archive managers is checking with the Chicago History Museum and others to see if they have any interest in such pieces.  Secretary De Leon said they were considering preserving a cell for historical context but they would need to find a place for it.
• 21-2555 Audit Grant Management Process Report Period March 2021. No discussion. Concurrence with report.  
  

Observed by: Kathi Graffam                      Meeting Length: 10am until 12:40 PM

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 Meeting
December 19, 2019

The Board devoted the first 2 hours of their meeting to the honoring of retiring employee Martha Martinez, former Commissioner Jerry Butler, and the late Reverend Clay Evans. Testimonials lauded Martinez for thirty-four years of exemplary service.  Former Commissioner Jerry Butler received a touching tribute from the Board. HIs career as a popular vocal artist and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was noted. Commissioner Butler sang one of his hits, “Let It Be Me” to the delight of all present. The late Reverend Clay Evans was honored as an icon of the black community and for his work on civil rights with Dr. Martin Luther King.

Action Items:

• Agenda Item 20-0016- The proposed amendment to the Inspector General ordinance regarding reports and public statements was referred to the legislative committee. It requires that the IG share a statement with the head of the affected department and not issue a public statement for ten days. If the department has a response, this must be attached to the public statement. The Civic Federation supported  this amendment during the public comment period.
• Agenda Item 20-0735- The Board unanimously passed a resolution supporting federal universal background checks for firearms. It is hoped that this will add pressure for passage of gun control legislation in Washington.
• Agenda Item 20-0721- The Board unanimously passed a resolution to support refugee resettlement efforts in Cook County. Several agencies testified to the challenge of working under current punitive federal policy.
• Agenda Item 20-0437- Approved an intergovernmental agreement between the pension fund and Cook County. In 2016 the pension was 54% funded. $306.2 million will be contributed for 2020. This infusion of funds has now raised the percentage funded to 68%, one of the highest in the state.
• Agenda Item 20-0732 - Changes in committee chairmanships were approved. These new assignments will give greater responsibility to the newer members of the Board.
• Agenda Item 20-0658 - Proposed tax on cannabis was referred to the finance committee.
• Agenda Item 20-1831- Board approved a commission chaired by Britton to create a new design for the county flag. The deadline is 2021 when the county celebrates its 190th anniversary. High school students will be asked to submit designs in a competition.
• Agenda Item 20-0726 - Board approved a resolution to support Cook County Health’s construction of a new Provident Hospital. It also provides for the Cook County Board Health & Hospital Committee to hold a hearing to receive an update on the project.
• Agenda Item 20-0712 - Board approved a resolution to discuss the Cook County Health Formulary Program. The resolution describes how insurance companies use “step therapy” in an effort to control drug costs. Step therapy is when patients first try the less costly drugs to see if they work. This can delay patients getting the treatment they need.
• Agenda Item 20-0011 - Proposed ordinance regarding zoning for recreational cannabis was referred to committee.
• Agenda Item 20-0579- Board approved authority for Public Defender to accept $500,000 grant to aid data analytics.

Commissioners Daley, Deer, Suffredin, Arroyo, Sylvestri, Gainer and Moore thanked Dr. Shannon (CCH) for his service to Cook County Health. Dr. Shannon was present and acknowledged their kind words. 

Observer - Georgia Gebhardt               Meeting Length: 3 hours, 20 minutes (includes 40 minute lunch break)

Cook County Board of Commissioners Finance Committee Departmental Budget Hearings
October 24, 2018

State’s Attorney

Commissioners Absent: Butler, Fritchey, Goslin, Gainer and Garcia.

State's Attorney (SA) Kim Fox stated that: 

• Her department inherited over $2 million debt and has paid down 1/2 of that debt so far.  
• Her strong focus is on data and evidence, integrity and transparency. 
• The Cook County prosecutor office is second in the country, after LA. 
• They have a Conviction Integrity Unit and referenced 50 people wrongly convicted.  She mentioned the importance of rebuilding trust. 
• They have an 85% conviction rate in gun cases (up from 50%).  Her focus is on violent crime. Misdemeanor cases are being looked at as there is a high number.
• Best practice is 400 cases per Assistant State's Attorney (ASA)   Cook County ASA’s have about 3000 cases. Further, about 50% end in dismissal. A lot has to do with the need for victims to show up in court.  There is no mechanism to screen out dismissal cases.  
• About 250,000 cases come from suburbs.  

Com. Daley and Silvestri asked about Electronic Monitoring (EM). SA Fox said that she has no position regarding consolidating or what the difference is between EM from the Judges or Sheriffs departments. 

There was a question regarding the money spent on outside counsel, which is significantly different between inside or outside counsel. SA Fox asked for money to hire 16 attorneys (the number that was lost previously). This would allow her to decrease outside counsel and save money. Request is for $945,000 up to $1.3 million for FTE’s.

SA Fox discussed a felony review guidebook for Chicago Police Department with the goal to have consistency with charging. 

Suffredin asked about the revenue generated from civil diversion: Narcotic forfeiture fund (modeled after New York) and the Records automation fund where money comes from the state.  More money is not being generated because they don’t have enough resources.

SA Fox discussed community justice centers for the south and west sides. Idea is to invest resource in prosecutorial engagement. Prosecutor office is involved at the end of the process rather than front end. SA Fox wants more money for resources to put in crime reduction investment and prevention. 

Observer - Laura Davis