Cook County Board Gets Financial Update

Cook County Board of Commissioners - Committee and Board Meetings
March 15 and 16, 2023

Finance Committee   March 15

• The Comptroller gave a report.  (#23-1270) The state of Illinois owes Cook County $318 million. Commissioner Sean Morrison noted that  the State is slow to distribute sales tax revenue from the Local Government Distribution Fund.  Commissioner Brittan recommended organizing a lobbying effort with the State to improve the distribution. 
• Dean Consentino of the Independent Revenue Forecasting Commission gave a long term forecast of Cook County revenue and expenses in the General Fund.   It is projected that there will be sustained slow economic growth.  The projected inflation could impact sales tax revenue. While the  revenue will grow less over the next five years, the expenses will increase at a higher rate.    In the Health Fund, the Medicaid re-determination will  decrease the number of recipients, increasing the costs to the Health System.  Their projections did not include continuing the current programs being funded by ARPA funds.  
• Cannabis tax revenue goes to the Equity Fund.   

Contract Compliance Committee-  March 15

• Agenda Item 23-0936 - Nicole Mandeville, Director of Contract Compliance, presented the proposed changes to the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) section of the Procurement Ordinance.  They are to extend the ordinance until 3/31/28 and change how the net worth of a woman business owner’s wealth would be calculated.   Some illiquid assets would no longer be counted.  After initial certification, the business would have to confirm its financial condition  and submit tax returns.   They would not have to be certified every year. The changes came from a disparity study that is done every five years.  Public speaker Mary Kay Moynihan, Women’s Owned Construction Group, expressed concern the ordinance might be challenged once some current cases at the Supreme Court are settled.  Ms. Mandeville  and the Contract Compliance lawyer, Laura Lechowitz stated that the goals in the ordinance are legally defensible.   MWBE goals are set for each individual contract. 
• The Committee recommended approval.  The Board of Commissioners approved.

Technology & Innovation Committee  March 15

• Agenda Item 23-1334 The Chief Information Officer’s annual report was recommended to be received and filed.  There was no discussion, but committee members had met individually with the CIO.
• The Board of Commissioners voted to receive and file.

Legislation and InterGovernmental Relations Committee March 15

• The Committee met with Sukemeke Watkins and Lizbeth Leanos of the lobbying team from the Office of the President.   They reviewed various bills that the County is supporting at the State and Federal levels  and discussed arrangements for the County lobbying day in Springfield. 

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
March 16     10:30 AM to 1:10 PM

The Board of Commissioners approved previous Committee recommendations with little discussion.  Several public speakers complained about the steep increases in property taxes in the Pilsen area.  Commissioner Anaya has organized programs on how to appeal the taxes and request exemptions.

The Board honored Secretary of State Jessie White on his retirement.   Most of the Commissioners spoke to his service to the County and State and his Jessie White Tumblers Program which has served 18,000 kids over 65 years.

Board Action:

• Agenda Item 23-1606   The Board approved  ARPA funds to subsidize installation of solar technology for residents.
• Agenda Item 23-1609  The Board approved ARPA funds for the Housing Authority of Cook County and the Justice Advisory Council to aid people getting out of prison in obtaining housing.
• Agenda Item 23-1647  The Board referred the Report on Major Technology Projects to the Technology Committee.

Observer:   Kathi Graffam