Cook County Finance Committee Hearing on Mid-Year Budget Update - July 21, 2026
Cook County Finance Committee Hearing on Mid-Year Budget Update - July 21, 2026
The Finance Committee of the Cook County Board met on July 21, 2026, to receive a mid-year budget update from the Office of the President (OUP). Chief of Staff Linetta Haynes Turner presented a report highlighting the county's strong financial position, recent credit rating upgrades, and a range of ongoing initiatives. Commissioners posed questions on hiring, procurement, technology, property tax system implementation, and other operational matters. No votes were taken; the meeting served as a briefing and discussion.
Presentation by Linetta Haynes Turner
- Turner reported that Cook County received two ratings upgrades from Fitch Ratings, bringing the total to six upgrades in five years, reflecting judicious debt management, growing reserves, and addressing long-term liabilities.
- The OUP represents 10% of the county's budget ($285 million) with approximately 2,000 employees.
- Key accomplishments included:
- Medical debt relief: Using $7 million in ARPA funds to eliminate over $820 million in medical debt, and through a statewide program, total medical debt forgiven for Cook County residents exceeds $1.5 billion.
- Digital equity: Continued implementation of the Cook County Digital Equity Action Plan.
- Environmental sustainability: Collected material from 4,000+ homes, diverted 875,000+ pounds of material; recycling services for 2,778 homes in Dixmoor, Posen, and Phoenix diverted 423+ tons in 12 months.
- New medical examiner's building: Land acquired, architect approved, design process starting.
- Community violence intervention: $20 million invested; 50% reduction in violent crimes countywide over five years (30% in Cook County).
- Technology modernization: Retiring 100+ legacy applications, achieving $6.5 million in annual savings.
- Employee engagement survey: 77% participation, mean score 3.86/5.
- Small business support: $7 million leveraged, 230+ businesses assisted in first six months.
- Affordable housing: Modular homes pilot in Humble Park, Chicago Heights, and Proviso Township; $2 million in down payment assistance.
- Turner noted external pressures: federal funding reductions to the hospital system by the Trump administration, geopolitical instability, pending litigation, and inflation.
- She concluded that OUP remains within budget targets and anticipates meeting FY2027 targets.
Commissioner Questions and Discussion
Human Resources (Bureau of HR)
- Commissioner Moore asked about delays in providing applicant lists to the county auditor's office (up to 100+ days). Chief Velisha Haddocks said she was unfamiliar with the data and agreed to review it; she noted the county is using the Taledo system and has completed enhancements.
- Commissioner Moore also asked about an increase in federal candidates after federal layoffs; Haddocks confirmed a slight increase.
Bureau of Administration
- Commissioner Moore asked about a warehouse assessment and records retention study; Chief Administrative Officer Zara Lee said it will be finalized within 60-90 days.
- Commissioner Moore asked about merging the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Assistance Commission; Lee said their missions are different and they should remain separate.
Bureau of Asset Management
- Interim Chief Jamie Myers reported on the boardroom renovation: AV system to be turned over next week, then training. Commissioner Moore expressed concerns about security and ADA compliance; Myers said security discussions have occurred with the secretary of the board, and ADA assessments are being procured.
- Commissioner Moore asked about the CMAR contract for the hospital system ($372 million); Myers committed to providing quarterly project reports by mid-August.
Chief Procurement Officer (Rafi Serafian)
- Commissioner Moore asked about contract monitoring and bottlenecks. Serafian said contract management is the responsibility of using departments, and OCPO works with them when issues arise. He noted 70% of procurements are processed within 12 months (measuring from request to execution). Commissioner Moore suggested establishing a timeline for departments to report issues; Serafian agreed to explore best practices.
Bureau of Economic Development
- Commissioner Degnan questioned the impact of the Tyler property tax system implementation delay on land transfers and economic development. Chief Sochi Flores acknowledged challenges and said coordination with the land bank and other offices is ongoing. Commissioner Degnan urged consideration of workarounds if Tyler cannot deliver soon.
- Commissioner Degnan also asked about a 22.3% variance in building and zoning permit revenue; Director Tim Bluer attributed it to an increase in permits, not just township shifts. Commissioner Degnan requested data on permit types and locations.
- Commissioner Degnan asked about a 99.2% negative variance in planning and development revenue; Director Susan Campbell explained it was due to slower-than-expected revenue from the modular homes pilot program (actual revenue $2.3 million vs. budgeted $7 million).
Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS)
- Commissioner Aguilar asked about denied federal disaster relief funding; Turner said no explanation was given, and the county is working with the state's attorney's office on possible legal avenues. EMRS Executive Director Alex Joves reported a 44% cut in homeland security grants last fiscal year and an additional 7% cut this year.
- Commissioner Scott asked about the impact of federal enforcement at polling places; Joves said EMRS supports election authorities but deferred to the County Clerk's office.
Department of Revenue
- Commissioner McCain asked about debt collection challenges; CFO Angela Manning Hardeman said the state's attorney's office has been slow on large-dollar cases. Director Tina Consola will provide a list of top debtors to commissioners.
Justice Advisory Council
- Commissioner McCain praised the juvenile detention alternative program and thanked Felicia for developing an internship program after years of effort.
Department of Environment and Sustainability
- Commissioner Dunn asked about data centers; Director Suzanne Malik McKenna said the county is working with a coalition on energy and water usage, and noted that of 54 permits sought, most will not move forward. She also reported progress on updating the environmental control ordinance, with a draft expected by Q1 2027.
Bureau of Technology (Tyler System)
- Commissioner Degnan asked about the Tyler system implementation; Chief Investment Officer Tom Lynch confirmed daily meetings with the Treasurer's office, and that the contract has options for two and a half more years. Commissioner Degnan stressed the urgency of getting disbursements to Special Service Areas (SSAs).
- Commissioner Degnan also asked about AI policies; Lynch said policies are countywide and developed collaboratively. He noted that defining AI is tricky, and the policy covers both generative and non-generative AI. Commissioner Degnan requested upfront risk assessments for AI-related contracts.
Key Outcomes
- No votes were taken; the meeting was a discussion and update.
- Commissioners requested specific follow-up information: HR applicant data, quarterly CMAR reports, permit data, top debtors list, and updates on Tyler implementation and AI assessments.
- The OUP team committed to providing requested information and continuing coordination with separately elected offices.
- The next budget hearing or update was not specified, but the committee will continue its work.
Meeting Transcript
Thank you. We have our Bureau Chiefs who will be coming to sit on the dais. All right. Good morning. Thank you, Chairman Daly, and members of the Finance Committee. I'm Linetta Haynes Turner, Chief of Staff to Cook County Board President Tony Preckwinkle. On behalf of President Preckwinkle and offices under the President, I am proud to present our mid-year budget update. Joining me today are our Bureau Chiefs. You've heard from Angela Manning Hardeman at the last session. Zara Ali, Sochi Flores, Valisha Haddocks, Tom Lynch, and Interim Bureau Chief Jamie Myers. Avic Doss is also joining from the Justice Advisory Council. Together, they are the backbone of the important and impressive work we do on behalf of our millions of residents. After my remarks, we will be happy to take any questions. As you just heard from the Bureau of Finance, or if you just watch the news, we're living in exceptionally challenging times. The difficulties are undeniable, but so is our dedication to our residents. Years of disciplined financial management, responsible budgeting, and long-term planning have positioned Cook County to navigate significant economic and fiscal uncertainty. Despite these many challenges, the county just received two ratings upgrades from Fitch last week, marking six ratings upgrades in five years. Fitch noted the upgrade reflects the county's reputation for judicious debt management, growing reserves, and addressing long-term liabilities. Over the last five years, rating agencies have also recognized the county's work to dramatically improve its financial position, implement budget best practices, address legacy pension liabilities, and put forward balanced budgets while also building solid reserves. This great work enables great work. Just look at our recent preliminary forecast town hall. It highlighted the immense breadth, impact, and heart of our county enterprise. We heard vital testimony and discussion on a remarkable range of priorities that define our mission. From the public safety and justice, we are leading with forward-thinking approaches to pretrial justice, robust funding for survivors of gender-based violence, and critical domestic violence grant support. Health equity and behavioral health. We are strengthening behavioral health systems, supporting HIV education partnerships, and reinforcing Cook County's health lifelong commitment to closing the health care gap. Housing and community infrastructure. We're taking a comprehensive approach to community stability and growth, addressing shelter shortages through our housing partners like Connection for the Homeless. We're also delivering essential infrastructure through the Build Up Cook and Invest in Cook initiatives to support our municipalities. Economic development. We're advancing equitable economic development by partnering with the Southland Development Authority, expanding business growth services for thousands of small businesses, and building institutional capacity in the Southland. And workforce and veteran support. We're expanding veteran peer-to-peer mental health programs, funding resources to get veterans back to work, and investing in young people through programs like the JTDC Introduction to the Electrical Trades. We're deeply committed to supporting the people we serve despite the many challenges behind and ahead of us. We do not shy away from the hard parts of the job. We are meeting chaos with calm. We are undaunted by the unexpected, and we stay true to the same mission and vision of the last 15 years. We are being responsible, we're being responsive, and we are being reliable. Under the stewardship of President Preckwinkle, our strong financial management and responsible budgeting have positioned Cook County to take a leadership role in transformative government despite the many national and regional challenges. But I really am most proud of our people. Every day, thousands of employees clock in and make this county better, provide services to those in need, and do the work. And it isn't always easy, but at the county, we do hard things. Let's recognize the reality. Despite this thoughtful financial management, Cook County is confronting budgetary pressures caused by several outside factors. Harmful reductions in federal funding to the hospital system by the Trump administration, economic pressures from geopolitical instability, pending litigation, and general inflationary pressures are impacting county finances. It's under clouds of uncertainty and adversity that I sit before you today to discuss the urgent work we do under President Preckwinkle's administration. We are unwavering in our commitment to ensure the progress we have made continues forward. Like I said, at the county, we do hard things and we remain steadfast in our commitment to be a more equitable, fairer county where all communities can thrive. The offices under the president represents 10% of the county's budget. That includes approximately 2,000 employees and a total budget of about 285 million dollars.
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