LWVCC comments on the County Budget Process after observing the budget meetings.
Feb. 13, 2025: The League sent some suggestions for improving the budget process at Cook County to the Chair of the Finance Committee, Chief Finance Officer, and Budget Director, consistent with the League's position on the budget process.
Cook County Commissioners respond to LWVCC request for more transparency at Board Meetings.
Responding to an issue raised by the Cook County League’s Budget & Structure Group, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen (12th Dist.) submitted a proposed change to the Board’s Rules, which was adopted by the entire Board on December 19, 2024. Under this change, any report or other documents that are to accompany an agenda item for a Board or Committee meeting is to be filed with that item, but in any case, no later than 48 hours prior to when the meeting is to occur. If the report or document is not timely filed, the item must be withdrawn, deferred, or, in the case of a Board item, referred to a Committee for subsequent action. Another Board rule already requires that such material, when filed, is to be posted on the County’s online “Legistar” system for the public to see.
The League sent letters of support to the Commissioners for the proposed Rules change, which included a thank-you to Commissioner Degnen for sponsoring the proposal.
LWVCC Comments on process for approving salaries of county officials
December 9, 2024: The League sent a letter to the Cook County Finance Committee disagreeing with the Bureau of Human Resources as to what is required and when under the Salary Review Ordinance (Section 2-10 or Article I of Chapter 2 of the Cook County Code). This Ordinance requires that the Bureau of Human Resources commission an independent Compensation and Market Survey covering the named elected officers and that such Survey be delivered to the Finance Committee by December 31, 2024. In turn, the Finance Committee is to take any action to adjust the salaries by March 31, 2025. The League stated it hopes the Commissioners will review the Ordinance and take appropriate action, including possibly amending the Ordinance, so compliance can be achieved.
Letter from LWVCC to Forest Preserve District Commissioners in support of Land Use Policy
November 17, 2024
To the President and Board of Directors of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County
Re: Land Use, Items 24-0311, 24-0313, and 24-0314
Dear President Preckwinkle and Commissioners:
The League of Women Voters of Cook County supports the updated Land Use Policy put forth by the Conservation and Policy Council as detailed in the 3 items on the agenda for the November 19, 2024 meeting of the Real Estate Committee (24-0311, 24-0313, and 24-0314). We urge the Committee members and then the Board to approve these items. The updated policy will strengthen the Cook County Forest Preserves in its mission of protecting and restoring land in accordance with the Next Century Conservation Plan.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Schilsky, President and Laura Davis, Forest Preserves Interest Group team leader
cc: Eileen Figel, Interim General Superintendent
Report of 2024 Advocacy Efforts
Advocacy 2023-24 LWVCC Annual Meeting Presentation As I was preparing for this short talk on LWVCC Advocacy from this past year, I perused our advocacy back to 2015. I noted some of our recurring areas of concern: Criminal Justice, the County Budget process, County Health System, Forest Preserves and more recently the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. We have supported referenda, encouraged programs and procedures, spoken against certain policies, and made suggestions for improvement of operations in many areas. You will hear more details about this year’s accomplishments from those interest group leaders speaking next.
But what struck me as most important to our role as Non-partisan Good Government advocates is that we have always and still continue to push for transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness of County Governments' procedures, spending, and programs—whatever they may be. We follow many appropriations to see whether appropriate performance objectives and measures are used to determine the effectiveness of these programs. We promote Board proceedings to be accessible and understandable to observers and the public. We monitor the budget process by following all of the yearly department presentations. We ask questions and form opinions on how to make our county governments more fair and useful to their constituents. And importantly, we make this known to OUR government officials and elected representatives.
I believe our Cook County League has had a positive impact regarding many of these issues and concerns. We have learned a lot about what to watch for during Board meetings, Inspector General and Audit reports, and presentations by various officials. Over the years we have formed good relationships with representatives and staff members in many areas. I’d like to say that once an improvement occurred—often at our suggestion— it became embedded in Board procedures. However, we have noted that with new Board members, COVID disruptions, and the passage of time, some of these improvements have reverted back to their previously unacceptable ways. We need to always be aware and not assume it’s a once and then done. Remember these are YOUR governments. Let’s advocate to ensure they work for ALL of us.
Karin Hribar LWVCC Advocacy
Advocacy 2023-24 LWVCC Annual Meeting Presentation As I was preparing for this short talk on LWVCC Advocacy from this past year, I perused our advocacy back to 2015. I noted some of our recurring areas of concern: Criminal Justice, the County Budget process, County Health System, Forest Preserves and more recently the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. We have supported referenda, encouraged programs and procedures, spoken against certain policies, and made suggestions for improvement of operations in many areas. You will hear more details about this year’s accomplishments from those interest group leaders speaking next.
But what struck me as most important to our role as Non-partisan Good Government advocates is that we have always and still continue to push for transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness of County Governments' procedures, spending, and programs—whatever they may be. We follow many appropriations to see whether appropriate performance objectives and measures are used to determine the effectiveness of these programs. We promote Board proceedings to be accessible and understandable to observers and the public. We monitor the budget process by following all of the yearly department presentations. We ask questions and form opinions on how to make our county governments more fair and useful to their constituents. And importantly, we make this known to OUR government officials and elected representatives.
I believe our Cook County League has had a positive impact regarding many of these issues and concerns. We have learned a lot about what to watch for during Board meetings, Inspector General and Audit reports, and presentations by various officials. Over the years we have formed good relationships with representatives and staff members in many areas. I’d like to say that once an improvement occurred—often at our suggestion— it became embedded in Board procedures. However, we have noted that with new Board members, COVID disruptions, and the passage of time, some of these improvements have reverted back to their previously unacceptable ways. We need to always be aware and not assume it’s a once and then done. Remember these are YOUR governments. Let’s advocate to ensure they work for ALL of us.
Karin Hribar LWVCC Advocacy
LWVCC issued an action alert on May 21st for members to contact their State Senator in support of legislation that would allow school districts to withdraw from their Township School Treasurer Office without the need of a referendum or special legislative action.
HB 305 sponsored by Representative Tracy Katz Muhl passed both houses on May 24th and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
The Township School Treasurer's Offices (TTO) were originally created in IL in 1819 to provide financial services to elementary and high school districts. In 1962 the State Legislature determined that they were not needed any more and dissolved all the agencies except in Suburban Cook County. After study of this issue in 1983 the LWVCC adopted a position that the Township School Treasurer’s Offices should be eliminated in Suburban Cook County as well. It was recognized that most school districts have business managers with sufficient qualifications to manage the districts funds and that in many instances the TTO was an unneeded level of government. Since 1962 a number of school districts in Cook County did leave their TTO, but it required that their local representative pass specific legislation.
The new legislation would allow a school district to withdraw from the services of their TTO if their School Board approves the withdrawal and they have a treasurer on their staff to manage the finances. If they want to combine with another district to share a treasurer that also is possible or they can elect to stay with their TTO or enlist the services of another TTO. The legislation will also phase out the elected TTO Trustees and requires that the TTO board have a representative on their board from every school district that utilizes their services. The present elected Trustees will be allowed to serve out their terms but the position will no longer be a publicly elected office once their terms expire. This new legislation was designed to accommodate those districts that are still wanting the services of a TTO but would require that oversight be provided by the districts whose money is being managed.
HB 305 sponsored by Representative Tracy Katz Muhl passed both houses on May 24th and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
The Township School Treasurer's Offices (TTO) were originally created in IL in 1819 to provide financial services to elementary and high school districts. In 1962 the State Legislature determined that they were not needed any more and dissolved all the agencies except in Suburban Cook County. After study of this issue in 1983 the LWVCC adopted a position that the Township School Treasurer’s Offices should be eliminated in Suburban Cook County as well. It was recognized that most school districts have business managers with sufficient qualifications to manage the districts funds and that in many instances the TTO was an unneeded level of government. Since 1962 a number of school districts in Cook County did leave their TTO, but it required that their local representative pass specific legislation.
The new legislation would allow a school district to withdraw from the services of their TTO if their School Board approves the withdrawal and they have a treasurer on their staff to manage the finances. If they want to combine with another district to share a treasurer that also is possible or they can elect to stay with their TTO or enlist the services of another TTO. The legislation will also phase out the elected TTO Trustees and requires that the TTO board have a representative on their board from every school district that utilizes their services. The present elected Trustees will be allowed to serve out their terms but the position will no longer be a publicly elected office once their terms expire. This new legislation was designed to accommodate those districts that are still wanting the services of a TTO but would require that oversight be provided by the districts whose money is being managed.
League Urges Resumption of Separate Consent Agenda Items
April 2, 2024: The League sent a letter to the Cook County Board urging that they resume the practice of holding separate meetings for the Consent Agendas, which deal with honoring people and events. The Board had previously instituted this practice in 2016, halting it during the pandemic when the Commissioners were meeting remotely. Now that the Board is meeting in person and those being honored are also there in person, the Consent Agendas have been taking up quite a bit of time during regular Board meetings. This has resulted in long delays before public comments are heard and before the substantive items on the business agenda are considered.
April 2, 2024: The League sent a letter to the Cook County Board urging that they resume the practice of holding separate meetings for the Consent Agendas, which deal with honoring people and events. The Board had previously instituted this practice in 2016, halting it during the pandemic when the Commissioners were meeting remotely. Now that the Board is meeting in person and those being honored are also there in person, the Consent Agendas have been taking up quite a bit of time during regular Board meetings. This has resulted in long delays before public comments are heard and before the substantive items on the business agenda are considered.
The Civic Federation and the LWVCC Release Report Analyzing Cook County's Implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act
On March 28, 2024 the Civic Federation and the LWVCC released a report analyzing Cook County's implementation of the Pre-Trial Fairness Law.
The report, based on informal observation done by the two organizations during the first six months since the law took effect on September 18, 2023, witnessed mostly a smooth implementation so far due to the County having been particularly well-prepared to adopt the new pretrial release process.
The Report can be read on the Civic Federation website at www.civicfed.org/PretrialFairnessAct
The report, based on informal observation done by the two organizations during the first six months since the law took effect on September 18, 2023, witnessed mostly a smooth implementation so far due to the County having been particularly well-prepared to adopt the new pretrial release process.
The Report can be read on the Civic Federation website at www.civicfed.org/PretrialFairnessAct
March 14, 2022 Inspector General's 2021 4th Quarter Report
The League sent a letter to Cook County President Preckwinkle and the Board urging that the Board take appropriate steps to see that departments respond promptly to recommendations made by the Independent Inspector General following an investigation. The League provided examples contained in the 4th Quarter Report where departments had failed to respond timely as required by County ordinance. The League noted that the Inspector General's investigation of the South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District and the findings of conflict of interest, waste, and institutional mismanagement demonstrates the importance of the office of the Inspector General.
Merger of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds' Office into the Cook County Clerk's
June 15, 2020: A letter was sent to the Cook County Board regarding the "Final Recommended Implementation Plan for the Assumption of Duties of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds by the Cook County Clerk" ("Plan"), Item 20-2745 on the Board's June 18, 2020 Meeting Agenda. The League urged that the Plan be referred to Committee so the Commissioners and the public would have additional time to review the Plan and so the Clerk and Recorder would have a forum to clarify the Plan and answer questions such as those submitted by the League with this letter.
Merger of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds Office into the Cook County Clerk's Office
May 14, 2020 - A letter was sent to the Cook County Board commenting on the Consolidation Joint Status Update Report for the period 10/01/19 to 12/31/19 (Item 20-1624). The letter suggested that more detail be provided in future reports regarding the expected expenses, such as which expenses would need to be incurred even if the merger was not taking place. The letter also asked that future reports reflect what cost-savings, efficiencies, and improved customer service will be achieved.
May 14, 2020 - A letter was sent to the Cook County Board commenting on the Consolidation Joint Status Update Report for the period 10/01/19 to 12/31/19 (Item 20-1624). The letter suggested that more detail be provided in future reports regarding the expected expenses, such as which expenses would need to be incurred even if the merger was not taking place. The letter also asked that future reports reflect what cost-savings, efficiencies, and improved customer service will be achieved.
SHAKMAN COMPLIANCE
February 21, 2020 - A letter with suggested questions was sent to members of the Litigation Subcommittee of the Cook County Board for use at their February 25 meeting with the court-appointed compliance officers and representatives of the offices of the Assessor, Clerk of the Court, and Recorder of Deeds. These 3 offices are under court supervision until they are found to be in substantial compliance with the Shakman orders, which prohibit hiring, firing, promotion, or wage increases based on political considerations. (Cook County Board Agenda Item 20-1748) The questions were used and attributed to the LWVCC in the February 25th meeting.
February 21, 2020 - A letter with suggested questions was sent to members of the Litigation Subcommittee of the Cook County Board for use at their February 25 meeting with the court-appointed compliance officers and representatives of the offices of the Assessor, Clerk of the Court, and Recorder of Deeds. These 3 offices are under court supervision until they are found to be in substantial compliance with the Shakman orders, which prohibit hiring, firing, promotion, or wage increases based on political considerations. (Cook County Board Agenda Item 20-1748) The questions were used and attributed to the LWVCC in the February 25th meeting.
PERFORMANCE BASED MANAGEMENT AND BUDGETING
February 10, 2020 - The LWVCC sent a letter to the Cook County Board's Finance Committee regarding the Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Performance Based Management and Budgeting (Agenda Item 20-1076) that will likely be on the Feb. 26 Finance Committee agenda. LWVCC expressed support for the new performance management program, and urged that, at the appropriate time, it be expanded to departments throughout the County.
February 10, 2020 - The LWVCC sent a letter to the Cook County Board's Finance Committee regarding the Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Performance Based Management and Budgeting (Agenda Item 20-1076) that will likely be on the Feb. 26 Finance Committee agenda. LWVCC expressed support for the new performance management program, and urged that, at the appropriate time, it be expanded to departments throughout the County.
METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT (MWRD) ETHICS ORDINANCE
January 9, 2020 - The League of Women Voters of Cook County gave testimony at the MWRD Board meeting expressing concerns with the proposed amendments to their Ethics Ordinance. While LWVCC supports strengthening the Ordinance, the League urges that the amendments be revised to exempt non-profit, non-partisan organizations like the League from being subject to the fees and registration requirements for "lobbyists" as currently defined in the amendments.
Read The Testimony Here
January 23 - The MWRD passed the amendments to the Ethics Ordinance with a change that explicitly exempts those who are not compensated for their lobbying activities from the requirements.
January 29 - The LWVCC sent a follow-up letter to the MWRD Commissioners and Executive Director thanking them for addressing the League's concerns.
January 9, 2020 - The League of Women Voters of Cook County gave testimony at the MWRD Board meeting expressing concerns with the proposed amendments to their Ethics Ordinance. While LWVCC supports strengthening the Ordinance, the League urges that the amendments be revised to exempt non-profit, non-partisan organizations like the League from being subject to the fees and registration requirements for "lobbyists" as currently defined in the amendments.
Read The Testimony Here
January 23 - The MWRD passed the amendments to the Ethics Ordinance with a change that explicitly exempts those who are not compensated for their lobbying activities from the requirements.
January 29 - The LWVCC sent a follow-up letter to the MWRD Commissioners and Executive Director thanking them for addressing the League's concerns.
SHAKMAN COMPLIANCE
November 14, 2019 - Letters with suggested questions were sent to the members of the Litigation Subcommittee of the Cook County Board to utilize during their November 19, 2019 meeting on the status of the offices of the Assessor, Clerk of the Court, and Recorder of Deeds coming into substantial compliance with the requirements of the Shakman case. (Cook County Board Agenda Item 19-6671, the Shakman Compliance Officers Quarterly Update) The Questions can be viewed here
2020 COOK COUNTY BUDGET
October 24, 2019 - Questions were submitted to the Cook County Board Finance Committee to ask during the departmental budget hearings on the Proposed 2020 Cook County Budget. The questions can be viewed here. Letters in response to the questions are posted on the Cook County Board Legistar Meeting Schedule as attachments to the Meeting Details for the Departmental BudgetHearings. Available HERE.
MERGER OF OFFICE OF COOK COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS INTO THE OFFICE OF THE COOK COUNTY CLERK
September 4, 2019 - The merger of the offices of Cook County Recorder of Deeds and County Clerk was approved by the voters of Cook County in a referendum in November of 2016. As the merger is to be completed by December 2020, the Cook County Board approved an ordinance requesting quarterly reports to monitor the progress of the merger. The second quarterly report has been submitted and after reviewing the report, the League of Women Voters of Cook County (LWVCC) presented testimony at the September 4th meeting of the Legislation and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of the Cook County Board, outlining several questions that need to be addressed to ensure the merger is completed on time. READ THE TESTIMONY HERE.
LWVCC Gives Testimony at Metropolitan Water Reclamation Board Meeting and at the Litigation Committee of the Cook County Board
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LWVCC gives testimony again in favor of an Independent Inspector General for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) at the MWRD Board Meeting on April 18, 2019.
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LWVCC gives testimony at Litigation Committee of Cook County Board at hearing on Shakman Compliance within the offices of Cook County Assessor, Recorder of Deeds, and the Clerk of the Court held on April 23, 2019.
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