CC Finance Committee Meeting on Proposed 2010 Budget, October 28, 2009: Auditor

The Office of the Auditor proposed budget has a 5% reduction and a reduction of 1 FTE from 2009 to 12. Upon questioning, the Auditor stated that 22 positions would be optimal. While the office has focused primarily on County departments involved with fee collection, the Auditor said that there might be even more benefit if her office was authorized to look at payroll and grants, and she was asked to submit her recommendations for staffing and responsibilities.

Commissioner Peraica stated that he supported giving this office, along with the Office of the Independent Inspector General, more funds.

--Submitted by Observer Pris Mims

CC Finance Committee Meeting on Proposed 2010 Budget, October 28, 2009: Public Defender

While the proposed budget of the Law Office of the Public Defender contains a $5 million increase over 2009 (a 9.9% increase), the Public Defender, retired Judge Abishi Cunningham, is seeking an additional $2.7 million, mainly to hire additional attorneys. Judge Cunningham asserted in a letter to Commissioners that by hiring more attorneys, the office could move cases faster that would result in a $14 million cost savings by cutting down the amount of time defendants spend in jail awaiting trial. The attorneys in his office dealing with felonies handle an average of 222 cases each. The American Bar Association (ABA) standard is 150. The attorneys in his office dealing with misdemeanors handle an average of 2,719 cases. The ABA standard is 400. 

The office has sought some grants, but has not been successful. Judge Cunningham wants a full-time grant writer.

There is also an issue of parity between starting salaries and supervisor salaries of asst. public defenders vs asst. state’s attorneys. It was suggested that Human Resources should do a comparison of jobs which would be the appropriate way to determine if parity was appropriate.

Commissioner Gainer suggested that the Public Defender should look to see how his supervisors’ pay compares to national standards. And any increase in pay should be implemented with a robust performance evaluation system.

Commissioner Peraica raised the issue of the huge costs in the budgets of the Public Defender, State’s Attorney, Chief Judge, Sheriff, and Circuit Court Clerk due to the number of people in the criminal court system charged with drug abuse charges (non-violent, self-abusers). I expect Commissioner Peraica will raise this with these other officials.

--Submitted by Observer Pris Mims

CC Finance Committee Meeting on Proposed 2010 Budget, October 28, 2009: Cook County Clerk

The Cook County Clerk's Office budget is less than 2008 for elections due to consolidation of precincts in suburban Cook County. The corporate fund request is down due to the Clerk’s office taking over the handling of birth and death records from the City of Chicago, which results in additional fee revenues that more than cover the proposed increase in expenditures. The Clerk also touted that the “genealogy online” feature of the Clerk’s web site is very popular. And there is another new feature on the web site where property tax payers whose parcels are in a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district will be able to type in their pin numbers and find out how much of their property taxes are going into the TIF district. The Clerk’s office keeps track of all 430/440 TIF districts since this office is responsible for determining the EAV (equalized assessed valuation) for each taxing district and then calculating the tax rate for each district. Out of 1.8 million parcels, about 200,000 are in TIF districts.

Upon being questioned, Cook County Clerk David Orr stated that he favored consolidating the election functions of his office and the Chicago Board of Elections (whether under his office or a separate board) because it would make things less confusing for voters and it would save money.

--Submitted by Observer Pris Mims

CC Finance Committee Meeting on Proposed 2010 Budget, October 28, 2009: Chicago Board of Elections

The Chicago Board of Elections proposed budget is a 5% increase over 2008, the last comparable year when there was a primary and general election as there will be in 2010. This Board oversees all elections within Chicago. Suburban Cook County elections are overseen by the County Clerk. In addition to the money for the Chicago Board of Elections that will be funded by the Cook County budget (and the proposal is for $18.3 million), the City of Chicago also funds elections (and the proposal in the City budget is $17 million).

Changes to the election process per new Illinois laws that impact costs include providing early voting on Sunday at 2 additional sites besides downtown, a longer grace period voter registration, and requiring that voters be notified when they fail to vote for any of the Illinois Constitutional offices (governor, liuetenant. governor, attorney general, secretary of state, comptroller, and treasurer). In the case of the scanners for paper ballots, the scanner will initially reject the ballot with the message that there was an undervote. The voter can then take back the ballot and vote for one of the people running for the office or can ask that the election judge hit the override button so the machine will accept the ballot with the undervote.

Another major change is that Illinois now allows absentee ballots to be requested without the need for a reason. The expectation is that more and more people will take advantage of this so that the amount included in the budget for postage (to mail out the absentee ballots) has been increased. Illinois law has also increased the amount to be paid to election judges.

Commissioner Schneider questioned why there was a huge increase in the amounts proposed to cover benefits for the 4 employees included in the County budget (the other 124 employees are covered by the Chicago budget). The Risk Manager under the Bureau of Finance was asked to check this. Commissioner Gainer questioned why the Board of Elections has not attempted to consolidate any of the 2500 precincts (which would reduce costs). The chair said the Board wanted to wait to do this until after the wards are redistricted following the 2010 census.

--Submitted by Observer Pris Mims

CC Finance Committee Meeting on Proposed 2010 Budget, October 28, 2009

Among general items of interest is that there is still discussion about reducing the sales tax from 1.75% to 1.25% if the Illinois legislature passes the bill to reduce the number of votes needed to override the President’s veto from 14 to 11. If the sales tax were so reduced, the earliest it would take effect is July 1, but since sales tax revenues are collected two months later, that means that the reduction would not be felt in the County’s revenues until October 2010. Therefore the estimated reduction in revenues for fiscal year 2010 would only be $32 million. If the Health and Hospitals System’s budget were not reduced, the rest of the County’s budget would have to be reduced by 5%.

Representatives from several areas appeared to discuss their portions of the proposed budget. Those reports will be posted individually.

--Submitted by Observer Pris Mims

CC Finance Committee Meeting on Proposed 2010 Budget: October 27, 2009, Bureau of Administration

This Bureau is an amalgamation of County departments under the President that literally run the gamut from A (Animal Control) to Z (Zoning Board of Appeals). Other departments are Planning and Development, Building and Zoning, Environmental Control, Judicial Advisory Council, Medical Examiner, Office of Adoption and Child Custody Advocacy, Veterans' Assistance Commission, Highway, Highway – MFT Illinois First, and the Law Library. Mark Kilgallon heads up the Bureau as the Chief Administrative Officer.

The 2009 Appropriation was $36 million (corporate funds) plus $22 million (special purpose funds). The amount included in the proposed budget from President Stroger is $35.6 million (corporate) plus $23.7 million (special). This is a 1.3% reduction in corporate funds per the Budget Director. However, each division was asked to reduce their corporate funds budget request by 5%. The number of FTE's (Full Time Equivalent employees) is currently authorized at 649 and the proposed budget has 697. The increases are due primarily to Highway -- MFT Illinois First (26), the Law Library (7) and the Medical Examiner (18). Among other things, the Medical Examiner needs to add another team to review infant deaths because there are so many. Dr. Nancy Jones, Cook County Medical Examiner, explained the primary purpose of the Medical Examiner's office is to prevent preventable deaths by identifying the cause of death so that action can be taken to prevent future deaths.

Commissioner Gainer asked whether any of the special purpose motor fuel tax (MFT) funds could be used for other items in the budget. To be explored. Commissioner Gainer also would like each department's budget in the future to reflect the costs for the facilities they utilize; otherwise, departments have no incentive to consolidate or move to less expensive space.

Commissioner Silvestri asked about where the project to add cameras at County –controlled intersections stood. The response was that they were still waiting for the Chief Judge to determine which County court would deal with tickets generated by the use of the cameras. This will probably come up when the Chief Judge appears to discuss that budget. While the installation of cameras is primarily being done for safety reasons, it will also be a revenue generator for the County.

--Submitted by Observer Pris Mims

Cook County Finance Committee Meeting on Proposed 2010 Budget, October, 26, 2009

A packet entitled "Cook County: 2010 Budget Appropriation" itemizing the 2010 sources of money and uses of funds was distributed to each commissioner. The total amount of money available for general use is $2,281,300,000 ($2.3 billion) and the "County Overall Picture" is $3,565,520,000 ($3.6 billion). [See 97 page pdf of "Citizen's Summary" here.] A page entitled "Bureau of Finance Goals" states that a goal of the Bureau of Finance is to facilitate a more efficient purchase process, an improved accounts payable process, and reduced risk management cost. A recurring theme in Chief Financial Officer Jaye Williams' presentation was the necessity of submitting budgets according to deadlines.

Various commissioners responded to the presentation. Finance Committee Chairman Daley questioned the five percent budget cuts and how the potential repeal of 1.25% of the sales tax would factor into the budget.

Commissioner Suffredin expressed a desire to start the budget process sooner and asked about new sources of revenue. He stated that the current budget process is three months behind last year's timeline. Comm. Suffredin also recommended better spending of special purpose funds. In addition, he is concerned that consumers in Cook County are purchasing merchandise out of state in order to circumvent paying the Cook County sales tax. More inspectors are needed to police such behaviors, Ms. Williams stated. Further, a new source of revenue will be generated from business licenses in the future.

Commissioner Sims wondered whether outside health insurance of county employees might be less expensive than insuring themselves.

The expense of maintaining buildings, particularly the Daley Center, was raised by Commissioner Gainer, who suggested that each department submit a cost breakdown of their facilities. She also suggested looking into the costs of employee health insurance. How does the cost of Cook County's health insurance for employees compare with other municipalities? was a key question.

Commissioner Goslin wondered if monthly reports rather than quarterly reviews would be more effective and reader-friendly. He wondered whether new positions had been created in the county's government.

Budget Director Takashi Reinbold stated that, at the time of the printing of the materials being discussed, not all of the necessary information had been submitted. The meeting was adjourned at 12:00.

--Submitted by Observer Stephanie Polito

Cook County 2010 Budget Hearings

The$3.0 Billion 2010 Cook County Budget has been released, and Hearing season has begun.

The public has four opportunities to voice their opinions about the budget:

Thursday, October 29, 2009 6:30 P.M.
Second District Courthouse - 5600 Old Orchard Road - Conference Room 201
Skokie, Illinois

Friday, October 30, 2009 10:30 A.M.
Cook County Building - 118 North Clark Street - Board Room, Room 569
Chicago, Illinois

Monday, November 2, 2009 6:30 P.M.
Sixth District Courthouse - 16501 South Kedzie Parkway - Courtroom 098
Markham, Illinois

Tuesday, November 3, 2009 6:30 P.M.
Fourth District Courthouse - 1500 South Maybrook Drive - Courtroom 106
Maywood, Illinois

Sign up to testify.

Forest Preserve District Board Meeting, October 7 2009

Friends of the Forest Preserves had a large group in front of President Stroger's office at 9:00AM to protest the development of forest preserve land by the Village of Hinsdale park district, for a soccer field. By the end of the Forest Preserve District’s regular meeting, the commissioners agreed to discuss this development at some other time.

The meeting opened recognizing the grand opening of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. This 38,000 sq. ft. laboratory and research facility that houses the first-ever doctoral program that focuses solely on plant biology and conservation. This program is in partnership with Northwestern University.

The 16,000 sq. ft. green roof is open to the public, as is a visitor gallery in the center of the building.

Congratulations were given to Sophia Siskel, President and COO of the Botanic Gardens, and her staff.

Alice Brandon, Conservation Director of the Friends of the Forest Preserve, introduced several interns of the Urban Restoration and Prescribed Fire Internships. The intern opportunities are made possible by the combined efforts of the Forest Preserve District, the Student Conservation Association, and the support of the U. S. Forest Service.

--Submitted by Observer Mary Ann Tate

More from the Cook County Board Meeting, October 20, 2009

The Forest Preserve District is celebrating the l00 year anniversary of the Burnham Plan. Mr. Todd Stroger reported on the 20l0 proposal which will be sent to the Forest Preserve Commission for consideration and adoption. On October 30^th, there will be a public hearing and Nov. 30th there will be a meeting to discuss the Brookfield Zoo and the Botanic Gardens. On Dec. 2nd the budget will be adopted. The Forest Preserve District will not raise the tax levy this year. They own 68,000 acres and they have benefited from 93,000 hours of volunteer workers. This is equal to $23,000. They have a AA tax rating. They have increased their activities and media endeavors . The iPhone will soon list their activities.

Rev. Kenneth Franklin was elevated to become a Bishop. He is a community activist and church leader. October 20th was proclaimed Bishop Franklin Day. He has 237 churches under his leadership.

The Chicago South Swim Club was honored for its competitive swim program for children from 4 to l8 years of age. About l5 children were in attendance and honored.

Some juvenile detention individuals were moved from Cook County facilities to other counties. The cost in Cook County is $400 to $500 a day and the cost in other counties is $ll0 a day. An explanation of the cost difference was requested from Earl Dunlap, Transitional Administrator of the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. The cost difference is attributed to the prison employee overtime pay. A system that was put in three years ago is not working yet.

The sales tax is down but it is not yet a concern. This year only 67% of the money allocated for health has been spent. The County Health system is improving its patient collection program. Payments are posted on line.

The property tax multiplier, or equalization factor, for Cook County has increased. The Illinois Department of Revenue in Springfield increased the multiplier to 2.85 %. Some feel this is not fair because many property tax payers think the increase comes from Cook County, when in fact, it is imposed by the state.

The Chief Operating Officer of the Dept. of Public Health was awarded $2,4ll,932 to provide vaccination at clinics for H1N1 influenza . He was also granted $l,477,l3l to maintain a suburban Cook County emergency response preparedness plan for incidents of bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other potential emergency situations.

--Submitted by Observer Arline Doblin

Watching the Money in Cook County

The October 20, 2009, meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners was characterized by topics of taxes and expenditures--with some commissioners looking to control some costs. Here are some highlights:

Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC)-- Cook County (CC) is paying other jurisdictions (Du Page and Lake Counties) to take juveniles who have gang problems or assaulting staff problems, etc. in JTDC . Parents are being paid $150.00 (cab fare) to visit their kids (in other counties) weekly. CC pays other counties $110.00 per day to house these juveniles; it costs CC $400.00-$500.00 per day to house the kids. There was questioning on why the big difference in cost. This should be answered at the budget hearings.

CC is also paying private contractors to do security and cleaning at JTDC--why aren't county employees doing this? Possible reason--140 of 600 employees at JTDC are on FMLA (leave). CC Bd. spent $1 million on a fingerprint security system, which is not operating as it should; so up to four security people at a time are hand-writing people into the facility.

Shakman Decree--This long-lasting court order (from 1994) for county elected offices (among them President's Office, Forest Preserve District, Sheriff's Department) to have compliance administrators overseeing hiring and promotion practices due to patronage is costing the county millions of dollars each year. Comm. Sims again requested that funds for a desk audit be done to work towards a release from this decree. Comm. Collins again requested that only one compliance administrator cover all four offices to save money (not possible under the court orders).

Worker's Compensation Claims--Since January of this fiscal year, $6,500,000.00 has been spent on employee injury claims. Comm. Peraica asked if employees are being monitored on these injury claims (no answer given). Comm. Gainer asked if employees are tracked for traffic accidents (yes). She also asked if Cook County is negotiating Medicare/Medicaid rates to county hospitals for treating inmates (county is "working on it").

Revenue Report highlights--the Health and Hospital Systems (HHS) is $56 million ahead of budget due to good practices incorporated in the past year, especially on collecting patient fees. The total for all home rule taxes is down $126 million this year due to a lesser amount of sales tax (down $46 million), cigarette taxes, motor fuel, etc. Comm. Moreno is against lowering the sales tax because the county would be "$400 million in the hole." About $46 million of the sales taxes goes to HHS, so some commissioners said health services of the county would not suffer if a decrease in sales tax occurred.

On-line Check Registry status--this proposal by Comm. Peraica is in progress according to the Chief Information Officer, Antonio Hylton, and will be completed within 30 days after getting approval from the States Attorney's Office. This is intended as a means of greater transparency for citizens/taxpayers and has been delayed a few months already.

Property Taxes--Due to the very late issuance of property tax bills, a resolution was passed forming a committee to investigate the whole property tax procedure. Too many disparate units in too many elected official offices have input, which complicates the process and has resulted in the late tax bills this year and in the past. This hurts local governments who can't pay their bills on time and may now need to borrow money. Comm. Suffredin pointed out that the multiplier, set by the state Dept. of Revenue, is the highest ever-- "way out of whack." Comm. Peraica pointed out the equalizer is over 3% this year (high). Comm. Moreno stated that only 5% of all property taxes go to Cook County government.

October CCHHS Town Hall Meetings

The schedule for the October Town Meetings and the Power-point presentations for both Board Planning sessions are on the CCHHS website. Meetings at various locales will take place from October 19 through October 29.

ANOTHER MARATHON PLANNING MEETING FOR CCHHS

CCHHS Board Meeting October 7, 2009

The Regular Board Meeting had a short agenda to allow time for another Strategic Planning meeting. The only committee report that engendered discussion was that of the Quality and Patient Safety because of confusion over exactly what policy was to be approved regarding employees receiving the H1N1 immunization. Because of the urgency of a decision on the matter it was rescheduled to a meeting the following week.

Several hours were spent reviewing the Strategic Plan. It will be presented again in its revised form at seven "town meetings" in October. The main challenges continue to be geographic access to services, the balance between primary care and specialty care, quality measures, obsolete facilities and low satisfaction among patients and staff.

The focus will be on assuring high quality care and improving the health of the residents of Cook County. Some suggestions include developing "hubs", partnerships, and realigning services and sites. There was a long discussion of closing some services and the impact of any such decision, e.g., the demand for OB deliveries has diminished at Provident and Stroger hospitals and Pediatrics has become a regional specialty. Rehab and long term care services at Oak Forest hospital warrant discussion. The existence of a large network of Federally Qualified Health Centers in the county could meet needs in the ambulatory care network. Other partnerships should also be explored. There is a need for discharge planning and follow up.

The planning process looks toward completion by mid November.

--Submitted by Observer Nancy Staunton