Proposed 2022 Cook County Forest Preserve Budget Presented to CCFPD Board

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board Meeting
October 5, 2021

​Special Meeting:

• President Preckwinkle submitted the executive budget for the FPCC for 2022. The budget is $136M total, a 1.8% increase from last year. $23.4M for the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden, which is the same level as 2021. This 2022 budget includes borrowing $17M from the Corporate Reserve Fund to make ends meet next year. 
• Preckwinkle talked about the importance of the 2022 ballot initiative which would put the Preserves on a sustainable path. This would only increase property taxes by 1/10th of 1%. She also spoke about the importance of the Preserves for the community during Covid. In 2020, visitors increased from 62M to 100M, and there was a 33% increase in visits to the FPCC website. 
• There will be a public hearing to discuss the budget on 10/21/21 at 6pm, and 10/28/21 at 9am. These meetings will be virtual. 
• The 2022 proposed budget was referred to the Committee on Finance. (Agenda Item 21-0471)

Board Actions:

• The board approved an increase in the grant amount from the Audubon Great Lakes in the amount of $165,000. This increase is for finalizing the design and construction of a water control and fish passage system at Powderhorn Lake in Chicago. Costs have exceeded the original grant amount of $807,290, and Audubon wishes to contribute additional funding to complete the project. (Agenda Item 21-0451) 
• The board approved a partnership agreement with Openlands. Openlands has received a $400,000 grant from the Walder Foundation for the ecological restoration of Beaubien Woods. (Agenda Item 21-0453)
• The board added a resolution on Planning for the Development of a Model Police Department. This item was referred to the Law Enforcement Committee. (Agenda Item 21-0474)

The proposed calendar of events was approved for October. Please check the Forest Preserve’s Website for events and activities www.fpdcc.com/events 

Observer: Amber L Elmer                                      Meeting Length: One hour, six minutes