February 16, 2011
The Civic Federation supports Cook County’s $3.0 billion FY2011 Executive Budget Recommendation as it reflects a significant effort to reduce expenditures. The new County administration also appears to be on a path toward significant reform of governmental operations, as recommended by the Civic Federation in the Cook County Modernization report, which can be read here.
The Civic Federation believes that the County still faces significant challenges. Although the recommended budget includes large agency reductions, the County will likely continue to have budgetary shortfalls in coming years due to significant cost drivers, repeal of the remaining portion of the sales tax and because it must address its declining pension funds.
The Federation offers recommendations to help the County improve efficiency and enhance its financial practices, including fully repealing the sales tax increase, undertaking a long-term financial planning process that involves all stakeholders, implementing pension reforms and improving budget communication.