January 26 Cook County Board Meeting

At the Cook County Board meeting on January 26, 2010, Commissioner Butler offered his condolences to Haitian families who had lost loved ones in the recent disastrous earthquake.  Commissioner Suffredin reminded those in attendance that after New York City, Chicago has the largest Haitian population in the country.  Other commissioners also expressed sympathy and support for the people of Haiti.  Dr. Baptiste provided a brief history of Haiti, including its vulnerability to storms such as Hurricane John in 2004 and four hurricanes in 2008. Individual tributes were paid to Robert "Squirrel" Lester, reknown blues singer; Carlos Hernandez Gomez, passionate news reporter and recipient of the Edward R. Murrow award; as well as Michael E. Lavelle, Sr., election law scholar and chairman of the Chicago Election Board.


The Board debated a comprehensive immigration reform proposal, authored by President Stroger and Commissioners Gainer and Moreno. The resolution, which the commissioners discussed at length, urges passage of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (H.R. 4321). A vote was taken on the motion, which carried with thirteen yays; Commissioners Goslin, Gorman, and Schneider opposed its passage.  Board members then questioned how much money the county was paying to Shakman compliance officers.  A county spokesperson promised to provide this information the Board requested regarding this issue. Commissioner Schneider called attention to the county's payment of $8000 to an employee who fell off of a chair.  The commissioners turned to the Comptroller Revenue Report, which revealed that the Health and Hospitals budget has suffered because this arm of Cook County government had to return $53.1 million.  Commissioner Collins asked whether the public is aware of Stroger Hospital's state-of-the-art medical facilities, implying more should be done to let others know.


Commissioner Peraica drew the Board's attention to the revenue report.  He stated that the county is losing money on its sale of cigarettes because of the county sales tax.  Commissioner Moreno expressed disagreement over this statement, suggesting that the reason cigarette sales have fallen is because fewer people are smoking and also because of the recession.  Commissioner Moreno argued that business is coming to Chicago, while Commissioner Peraica countered that conventions are no longer bringing their business to Chicago.  Commissioner Peraica continued to question the county budget, calling the Board's attention to the Public Safety Fund, which was $35 million over budget due to salaries and a high personnel turnover.  According to Cook County CFO Jaye WIlliams, the increase in salary payments are due to an increase in personal services.


Commissioner Gainer brought up an additional budget concern regarding Health and Hospital systems.  She questioned whether the county is paying a standard rate to hospitals, or a reduced rate, citing the county's recent payment of $35,000 to Christ Hospital, which contained no discount.  Finally, Commissioner Peraica proposed an amendment to repeal the entire county sales tax.  A suggestion was made to bring his proposal to the Finance Committee.  The motion to do so was passed with eleven yays and six nays.

--Submitted by Observer Stephanie Polito