Cook County Board Requests Metrics on Covid Funding

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
September 23, 2021

The Board Approved:

• The Covid Relief Report sparked some discussion on expenditures related to the Coronavirus Relief Funds, specifically the $6.8M increase in payment to Guidehouse, a consulting firm helping Cook County secure new funding for Covid Relief, apply for grants, compliance, and project management. Commissioners requested follow up with quantifiable metrics on how this increase in funds will be used. (Agenda Item 21-5298)
• Approved grant amendment for the Cook County Housing Coordination & Evaluation Foundation. An increase of $216,496 was granted for FY2021, and commissioners asked for an evaluation of the impact of this program. (21-4836)
• All the items recommended by the Committees were approved, including the new Commissioner district maps for the 2022 elections (see the Observer Report on the Committee Meetings of Sept. 20, 21, and 22)
• The Board approved the Cook County Health and Hospital System preliminary budget of the FY2021, which will be included in President’s budget expected to be presented for review by the CCB in October. (21-0797)
• The Board approved the item Calling for a Review and Recommendation regarding Elected Official Compensation, including President ($170,000), Finance Chair ($90,000), Commissioners ($85,000), Assessor ($125,000), Board of Review ($100,000), Clerk ($105,000), Treasurer ($105,000), Sheriff ($160,000), Clerk of the Circuit Court ($105,000).  Bureau of Human Resources to do a study and make a recommendation no later than March 2022 to the Board as to whether there should be changes in the compensation listed above which was approved in 2000.  Any such increase to be effective with the next fiscal year in 2023 after the election for these offices, except for the Clerk of the Circuit Court, which will be effective in fiscal year 2025 because that office isn’t up for election until Nov. 2024. The current salaries of the Elected County Officials were last approved in 2000. Also, any increase in salaries will not be effective until after the next election. (21-5228)
• The Board approved changing the appointments of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Advisory Board from being split between the Chief Judge and the Cook County Board President to the President appointing all 11 (10 plus a Commissioner) with the advice and consent of the Board. (21-5279)

Domestic Violence Court:

• As a follow-up to the discussion at the July 29 Board meeting, Commissioner Daley asked the representative for the Chief Judge what progress had been made in making it possible for orders of protection to be granted that same day to those seeking help from the Domestic Violence Court after 3 pm.
• The representative said that currently, a petition emailed to the Court prior to 3 pm, will be heard that day.  If the person goes in person to the court during the hours the Clerk of the Court is there, the petition will be heard that day.  Also, people can go to any district courthouse, and not just the Domestic Violence Court.
• As of Oct. 12, the plan is to have a judge available 24/7 to hear petitions for orders of protection.  Currently, there are judges who are available for probable cause orders in criminal cases around the clock.  These judges would be cross-trained to also handle orders of protection, and some Domestic Violence Court judges would be added to the schedule and would be cross-trained for probable cause orders.  Finalizing this plan is subject to getting confirmation from the Clerk of the Court, who is currently short-handed.
• Several Commissioners expressed disappointment that things weren't further along and stressed how important this issue is and asked that the Board be kept informed.

The Board Referred:

• Proposed resolution going to the Health & Hospitals Committee declaring mental health a public health crisis. CCH and Public Health to work with others to increase awareness of services, increase funding through the Justice Advisory Council, increase access to inpatient and outpatient services, work with marginalized populations, advocate for relevant policies, and support local, State, and Federal programs. Comm. Morrison proposed speaking with and lobbying state representatives and the Governor so they take this up as well. (21-5290)

Public Comments:

• There were 214 written statements submitted to the CCB and 25 virtual speakers scheduled to testify. The first several public comments regarded flooding issues in LaGrange, Cicero, and the greater Cook County area. Citizens are asking Cook County for financial support for flood damage prevention.
• Several speakers spoke for, and one against, officially changing Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day in Cook County.

Observer - Amber L Elmer                                    Meeting Length: 4 hours 27 minutes