Cook County staff to require presentations, updated applications as budget process begins

County staff and commissioners spent the second half of the May 19 meeting detailing next steps for the 2027 budget calendar, applications for non‑mandated agencies and expectations for joint powers entities.

Brady and Auditor Powers explained draft budget goals—transparency, data‑driven decisions, prioritizing mandates—and said staff will distribute budget guidance and a template to department directors. Staff proposed collecting applications from non‑mandated entities (EDA, HRA, historical societies, soil and water) and tailoring letters to various agency types to clarify what information the board expects.

Commissioners asked that organizations with joint powers agreements, specifically the library and the YMCA, come to present budgets and justify recurring increases. Commissioners also requested presentations at a planned budget workshop so the board can assess mandates versus non‑mandates and make evidence‑based funding decisions.

The meeting included extensive discussion about the 'hub' (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit discussed as a potential county grantee). Commissioners said they want clarity about how accountability and performance will be measured, whether the hub should be funded through the Public Health and Human Services (PHS) grant screening process or a separate county line item, and whether audit or outcome data should be required when county dollars exceed a threshold.

Staff said they will coordinate with the budget and facilities advisory committee, finalize letters and applications, schedule presentations for joint powers entities, and identify the specific data points agencies should provide so the board's decisions are evidence‑based. Commissioners asked that staff flag statutory constraints (for lodging tax, legacy funds, and PHS grant rules) and confirm where funding may be restricted by law.

Next steps: staff will present budget guidelines at the advisory committee meeting, send draft letters and application forms to agencies as a working document, and schedule presentations at the budget workshop. The board will review presentations and data before making final budget allocations for 2027.