Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Proposed 2015 Cook County Executive Budget: October 17, 2014 Public Hearing and Department Meetings


Public Hearing
This was the first opportunity for members of the public to provide comments on the proposed budget that had been introduced just a week before.  The Civic Federation said that it had not had time to complete its analysis of the budget, but would do so and provide comments prior to the time for the Commissioners to vote.  But the overall assessment thus far was positive.  The Civic Federation stressed that getting pension reform passed by the General Assembly for the County was critical.

There were several speakers raising issues about the Animal Control Department and suggesting that the budget could be reduced by convening a task force to look into the operations.  There were also several speakers supporting the budget levels and the care provided by different centers in the Health & Hospitals System; it was not clear whether they had concerns that some of these budget levels might be cut by the Commissioners during the amendment process.  Several speakers voiced support for the Veterans Assistance Commission and the need to increase funding.

Department Meetings
Veterans Assistance Commission:  Issues around the level of County funding have been raised in the past several years.  Actual spending in the past had fallen well below the budget.  However, this year it appears that the Commission will spend its budget of $388,100.  The Superintendent is seeking $1 million more over that proposed by the Executive Budget to hire 8 FTEs (Full Time Equivalents).  Apparently the idea is that more people would assist veterans in knowing what help is available and applying for help, such as claims to the Veterans Administration.  However, in answer to Commissioner Garcia, the Superintendent did say that this Commission has not had to deny a request for assistance as a result of insufficient money allocated by the County.

Animal Control:  Dr. Alexander, the Administrator/Director of the department, was challenged by Commissioner Fritchey on her statement that the department provided 24/7 service.  He cited an instance in Chicago, which is covered by Chicago departments rather than the Cook County department, but the Commissioner felt he did not get a good response when he called the County’s hotline.  The Commissioner also asked several other questions about the budget, which is $23.5 million.  He tried to ask whether the department was ready to enforce the puppy mill ordinance that the Commissioner has sponsored, but which is currently on hold pending the outcome of a lawsuit.  The Commissioner stated he had been told by an Asst. State’s Attorney that the County had agreed to delay the ordinance because the department was not ready to do the enforcement.   However, Chairman Daley felt that since the issue was in litigation, no answer should be given.

Medical Examiner:  The County is close to getting full national accreditation for the Office.  Three more technicians are needed in the toxicology lab, but the hiring will be delayed to mid-year to help keep the budget in check. 

Along with Animal Control and the Medical Examiner, the other departments under the Bureau of Administration which presented their budgets to the Board, all touched on their goals and achievements as reported under the STAR (Set Targets, Achieve Results) performance management system established by the President and Board.
 
-- submitted by Priscilla Mims

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