Cook County Forest Preserve District Budget Includes No New Fees or a Tax Increase

Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) Board Meeting
November 17, 2020 

Finance Meeting:

• Agenda item 20-0389   Cook County Commissioners applauded Superintendent Arnold Randall for his fiscal 2021 budget which plans for no new fees or tax increases.  The budget is described as a “caretaker budget” which will use reserves to fill in budget holes. Commissioner Suffredin talked about the value of the forest preserves to all of Cook County, particularly during this time of pandemic.  He believes there needs to be a referendum next year in order for the forest preserves to expand land for preservation and more money for Brookfield Zoo and the Botanic Garden. He applauded the efforts of the Conservation Community Council, led by Wendy Paulson, for all the efforts by volunteers to support the forest preserves.
  

Board Meeting

• A public speaker requested increased security measures at Midlothian Meadows where a young woman was recently murdered.  Security measures could include increased patrols, emergency call boxes and cameras.  Superintendent Randall discussed some of the difficulties, but stated that patrols have increased and there continues to be investigation to determine who committed the crime.
• The Cook County Land Bank donated 5.84 acres of land/property by Cermac Woods which is on a flood plain, to the FPDCC.  The District cleared the property of the house. 
• The FPDCC has entered into a revenue generating agreement with Trailbound Trips, Barrington, IL.,  to offer hikes in the forest preserves.
  

Observer -  Laura Davis                                                             Meeting length:  Approximately 1 hour