Opposition to Tax on Cable TV and E-Cigarettes; $2 Million for Restorative Justice; Tax on Corporations Paying Less than Living Wage; and Lost Animals Raised at Public Meeting

2016 Cook County Proposed Budget:  Public Hearing at the County Building, November 3, 2015

Lawrence Msall, on behalf of the Civic Federation, after complimenting the County government for the actions taken with regard to criminal justice reform, health care, and rationalizing the workforce, said that with regret, the Civic Federation could not support the proposed budget. The opposition was mainly to the 1% increase in the sales tax that the Board had approved this summer, and on which this budget is based.  The Civic Federation cited the competitive disadvantage the Board was creating for the many businesses in Cook County, particularly those on the County’s borders. 

However, in response to a question by Commissioner Suffredin, the Civic Federation thinks the $30 million in additional taxes and fees that are part of this budget proposal are reasonable.  This was clearly not what the Commissioner wanted to hear, as he expressed his concerns about these revenue proposals.   Subsequently, the Chamber of Commerce expressed its opposition to extending the amusement tax to (or rather eliminating the current exemption for) cable television.  There were several other speakers similarly expressing opposition, as well as one speaker in favor.  Chairman Daley stated that in talking with the individual Commissioners, it seemed unlikely that the Board would pass the expansion of the amusement tax, so the Commissioners will have to come up with proposals to cover the $18 million projected from this tax, either through other new revenues or through cost cuts.

Several speakers also voiced opposition to the proposed tax on E-cigarettes. 

Several speakers called on the Board to increase the $500,000 for restorative justice programs in the budget to at least $2 million. The dialogue between a couple of the Commissioners and one of the speakers got a little heated at one point, as the Commissioners explained that they supported more money for restorative justice programs, but also were faced with trying to balance the budget.  The speaker argued that if the County would stop spending so much on the jail, it could fund restorative justice, which would do much to reduce the jail population.  Commissioners pointed out that they have a responsibility to see that there is sufficient money for the jail in order to protect the public from those committing crimes.

Several speakers spoke in support of a proposed ordinance (the “Responsible Business Act”) that would impose a tax on employers who had 750 or more employees making less than a “living wage.”  Chairman Daley pointed out that this proposal is not part of the budget, and has been referred to a Board committee for separate consideration.

Several speakers also urged that the focus of the Animal Control Department of the County be expanded to include helping owners find their lost pets. 

One speaker complained about the Health & Hospitals System treating undocumented immigrants.  Chairman Daly stated that the mission of the County’s health system has always been to treat everyone.

Next Steps

The Finance Committee finished its last department meeting on Nov. 2, and has one more public hearing at the Maybrook Courthouse at 6:30 pm on November 5.  Chairman Daley indicated that the deadline for the Commissioners to submit amendments to the proposed budget would likely be next week, but had not been finalized.  Check on the budget calendar.  A meeting of the Finance Committee to vote on these amendments and the resulting budget will then be held, followed by the Board meeting to vote on the budget, as amended.

-- submitted by Priscilla Mims, League Observer

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