Cook County Commissioners Concerned about County Employee Overtime

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 7, 2017

Significant Decisions Made:

• An ordinance intended to bring needed changes to the administration of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management was approved.  Procurement policies will now align with the County’s Code of Ordinances.  Any contract or purchase over $150,000 will need Cook County Board approval.  Also Memoranda of Understanding (MOU's), agreements with other entities, will not obligate the County to make payments to any third party.  The discussion at the meeting seemed to indicate that previous management had mismanaged several aspects of this department. (Agenda Item 17-3262)

Significant Topics Discussed and/or Referred to Committee:

• After the Comptroller’s report indicating a revenue shortfall, several commissioners questioned the large expense of overtime pay—particularly in the Sheriff’s Department (jail) and the Hospital System (Stroger)—as it relates to the budget.  Commissioners Tobolski, Morrison and Boykin all wanted to see improvements in employee absentee rates (and reduced staffing when warranted). Representatives from both these areas stated they were working on the problem and had several initiatives going on.  It was pointed out by Commissioner Daley that 90% of employees in the Hospital System are unionized and contracts need to be upheld.  Also, $97 million is owed to the County by the State of Illinois—$35 million from the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts (AOIC), the court overseer, and $56 million to the Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS).  
• An ordinance for Establishing the Cook County Fair Elections Program and Fund was referred to the Finance Committee.  There are many complicated parts to this which need clarification.  The intent is to set up a fund to provide $6 for every $1 raised up to $150 with a limit of individual contributions of $500. The County would appropriate $1.5 million per year to fund these matching funds for candidates running for all elected Cook County positions. (Agenda Item 17-3494)
• A request for a Presentation on an Overview of Cook County’s Workers’ Compensation Claims, Policies, and Strategies was referred to the Workers’ Compensation committee.  This is designed to inform the commissioners of the impact of these issues on county government.  This will be a closed, executive session. (Agenda Item 17-3676)
• Commissioner Suffredin is still working on the details of a process for the submission of electronic witness slips that will allow the public to provide input to commissioners on issues coming before the Board. This would be an addition, not a replacement, to the current method of signing up to speak at Board and Committee meetings.

Items to watch for in the future:

• Overtime issues
• Fair Elections Program and Fund
• Witness Slips Procedure

Observer: Karin Hribar             Meeting length: 2 1/2 hours including the committees (9:30-12:00)