On December 12, 2012, an ordinance to create an independent budget office was introduced to City Council. The ordinance, sponsored by Aldermen Ameya Pawar (47th Ward), Michelle Smith (43rd Ward) and Pat Dowell (3rd Ward), was assigned to the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics to be considered. Although more detail about the proposal is needed, the Civic Federation supports the initiative that would allow aldermen to seek independent, professional expertise before considering major…
In a report released today, the Civic Federation supports the $190.3 million proposed FY2013 Forest Preserve District of Cook County budget for its discipline in identifying non-tax revenue sources as an alternative to increasing the property tax levy. The proposed budget also maintains the District’s substantial reserves. The full 60-page report is available at civicfed.org. “President Preckwinkle and Superintendent Randall are responding appropriately to the District’s financial constraints…
The Civic Federation supports the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s FY2013 proposed $190.3 million budget for its discipline in identifying non-tax revenue sources to hold the property tax levy flat for the fourth year in a row while maintaining substantial reserves. While the District’s overall budget demonstrates continued fiscal discipline, the Civic Federation is concerned about several negative trends threatening the District’s long-term fiscal health. The funded ratio of the…
In June 2012 the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the issuance of $110 million in bonds to finance capital improvement projects and to refinance existing debt. This major financing decision was made without the release of an updated capital plan and before offering the District’s operating budget for FY2013. The 2012-2016 Capital Improvement Plan was released in January 2012 and makes no reference an upcoming issuance. However, the 2013-2017 Capital…
In 2010 the Civic Federation embarked on the Cook County Modernization Project to provide a roadmap for creating a county government that is more efficient, less costly and more accountable. The report addressed all Cook County functions, but particular emphasis was paid to improving operational efficiency in the the Offices under the President, reforming the overall governance structure and proposing reforms for the Health System. The report also contained detailed information and analysis…
On June 30, 2011 the Civic Federation released Recommendations for a Financially Sustainable City of Chicago. The report offered a comprehensive set of forty recommendations to improve the City’s long-term fiscal condition. The reforms could be implemented over the next few fiscal years and covered a wide array of functions from pensions to public safety. Next month the City will release its proposed FY2013 budget. Despite cost saving initiatives implemented by the City over the past year, the…
In its recent analyses of the $5.7 billion FY2013 budget proposed by Chicago Public Schools and the $659.5 million FY2013 budget proposed by the City Colleges of Chicago, the Civic Federation expressed concern about the limited time allowed for public review. In each case, the Federation found that the time allowed for public input was inadequate for budgets of such magnitude. All governments have a duty to allow for public input related to their proposed budget. The Civic Federation recommends…
UPDATE: On Thursday, August 2, 2012, Governor Quinn signed legislation to require all counties to release their financial statements within six months of the end of their fiscal year as Public Act 097-0890. The legislation takes effect upon becoming law. On May 11, 2012 the Illinois House of Representatives joined the Illinois Senate in voting to eliminate an exemption for Illinois’ largest and smallest counties from releasing their financial statements in a timely fashion. The Civic Federation…
On April 24, 2012, the City Council passed an ordinance establishing an Infrastructure Trust for the City of Chicago. Introduced by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Trust is an alternative source of funding that will be used to attract private sector funds to rebuild the City’s aging infrastructure. At a time when capital funding from the federal government and State of Illinois is scarce and the City’s debt levels are high, the Trust aims to open investment opportunities from new sources that would…
Last week, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced two alternative service delivery initiatives: 1) managed competition for County custodial services; and 2) third-party administration of the County’s employee absence and leave management.[1] In its 2010 Cook County Modernization Report, the Civic Federation recommended that Cook County institute alternative service delivery, also known as outsourcing, for non-essential services. Historically, the County has not taken advantage…
