Finance Committee of Cook County Board - May 13, 2026

The Finance Committee of the Cook County Board met on May 13, 2026, at 15:45 UTC. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman (Commissioner Daly). Fifteen of 17 commissioners were present, with Commissioners Gaynor and Moore absent. The committee approved several routine financial reports, contracts, and resolutions, and deferred a resolution on retention bonuses for further discussion with the administration.

Consent Calendar

• Committee Minutes: Approved by voice vote.
• Item 26-1283: Court Orders Report (March 21–April 17), special court cases, proposed settlements, workers' compensation settlement decisions (April–May 2026), workers' compensation claims (March 2026), patient resee claims (March 2026), self-insurance claims (April 2026), and claims recovery settlements (April 2026). All approved unanimously (15 ayes, 2 absent).
• Item 26-1340, 26-1411, 26-1488: Controller's report for four-month period ending March 31, 2026; Cook County Health report for April 2026; President's Office annual report on the Equity Fund. Approved after presentations (16 ayes, 1 absent).
• Item 26-0554: Resolution addressing JC's reallocations for Safe and Thriving Communities, Gun Prevention and Reduction Initiative. Approved (16 ayes, 1 absent).
• Item 26-1021: Resolution addressing a prospective agreement with Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Approved as part of the same motion.
• Item 26-1032, 26-1014, 26-1064: Contracts for auditing services (RSM US LLP, $6,950,354), law enforcement testing (Industrial Organizational Solutions Inc., $1,259,228), and consultant services for CDBG disaster (ICF Incorporated LLC, $5,903,429.24). Approved after discussion (16 ayes, 1 absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Three public speakers were registered (George Blake Moore, Jessica Jackson, Taiwan Sims), but none responded when called. No public testimony was given.

Discussion Items

• Controller's Report (Item 26-1340): Comptroller Cyril Thomas reported that the general fund had a favorable net budget variance of $261.7 million for the four-month period ending March 31, 2026, driven by $219.4 million favorable revenue variance (primarily from sales tax, property tax, and cigarette taxes) and $42.3 million favorable expense variance. The health fund had a favorable net budget variance of $27.7 million, with $3.8 million favorable revenue and $23.9 million favorable expense. The county received $98 million from the State of Illinois, including $88.7 million for the general fund and $9.3 million for the health fund. The federal government canceled $700,000 in one-time grants related to BED. No questions from commissioners.
• Cook County Health Report (Item 26-1411): A health system representative noted the health system was $27.7 million favorable to budget, driven by higher DSH and directed payments, partially offset by increased uncompensated care. Commissioner Sean Morrison asked about potential decreases in DSH reimbursements; the representative stated decreases have been delayed through fiscal year 2027. Commissioner Morrison also asked about the status of an RFP on the health plan; the representative said an update from the state is expected “any day now.”
• Retention Bonus Resolution (Item 26-1251): Commissioner Naya moved to accept a substitute for the resolution updating the retention bonus pay program, then moved to defer the substitute. She explained the original pilot program was created in 2022 to retain workforce after the Great Resignation. The substitute addressed concerns raised by the administration, including ensuring the Bureau of Human Resources and Budget Director are involved alongside agencies. Commissioner Degnan added that the intent is to have elected or appointed officials at the table when decisions are made, to avoid siloed decisions. The board agreed to defer the item to work with the administration on a compromise.
• Contracts for Law Enforcement Testing (Item 26-1014): Brian Town, Executive Director of the Cook County Sheriff's Merit Board, explained the board's role: entry-level testing, promotional testing, and discipline of sworn members. Commissioner Naya raised concerns about retention after training, noting that many trained officers leave for other agencies. Commissioner Sean Morrison argued that sheriff's department personnel are underpaid compared to other departments, contributing to retention issues. Commissioner Stamps asked about commitments to serve after training; Mr. Town was not aware of any such requirement. The Sheriff's Office was not present, but the Chairman stated the office heard the request. Commissioner Aguilar asked about education incentives; Mr. Town could not confirm current programs. Commissioner Vasquez suggested that presenters should outline their role in county government.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Items: All items on the consent calendar and the three contracts were approved with 15-16 ayes and 1-2 absent votes.
• Deferred Item: Resolution 26-1251 (retention bonus program) was deferred for further negotiation with the administration.
• Next Steps: The administration will continue discussions on the retention bonus resolution. The board will monitor DSH payment reductions and the health plan RFP. The Sheriff's Office will follow up on retention and compensation concerns.