Cook County Board Finance Committee Reviews Contract with Company Providing Oversight of ARPA and FEMA Funds

Committee Meetings for Cook County Board of Commissioners
October 18, 2023

Finance Committee:

• There was a presentation and some discussion on the additional $13.5 million to an original contract amount of $14.2 million to Guidehouse, Inc.  This company was hired to help the County navigate ARPA and FEMA funds to make sure they were used in compliance with Federal Govt. requirements and that the programs were set up correctly.  There have been 72 programs set up. 
• There are additional costs due to FEMA deadlines extensions, technology projects, hiring problems, additional support for departments.  The discussion centered on bids that might have a better hourly rate; and what the HR plan is to transition the programs to Cook County people.  33 programs have already been transitioned to Cook County employees. 
• There will be a need to bring on more employees especially for grant writing and management.  Positions are difficult to fill.  Also noted is that the Auditor is working with Guidehouse.

Litigation Subcommittee of Finance Committee:

• The 2nd quarter IG report was received and filed with no discussion

​Transportation Committee:

• Received and filed the Plan of Action for regional Transit done by CMAP.  This was initiated by the General Assembly but covers PACE, METRA, CTA.  All of these agencies will be short on funds soon. 
• The recommendation in this report is that $1.5 billion be spent annually for public transit.  New sources of revenue will be needed.  The current services are “efficient” but not serving the needs of the region. 
• Also recommended is Governance reform regarding the 3 Boards and all their administrations.  Would like to empower a regional Board to oversee all. 
• This report goes to the General Assembly and Cook County.

Observer - Karin Hribar