Cook County 2017 budget forecast predicts $175 million shortfall

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on Thursday projected an FY2017 operating shortfall of $174.3 million, driven in part by state budget gridlock, a growing legacy debt service and increased technology spending to upgrade outdated systems. A projected FY2016 year-end budget shortfall of $48 million will be closed by spending reductions, she added. Recent figures show the state owes Cook County government $53.1 million, and an additional $57.4 million to the Health and Hospitals System from FY2016. A public hearing on the 2017 preliminary forecast will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 in the Cook County Board Room, 5th floor, 118 N. Clark St. The preliminary forecast is available to view at cookcountyil.gov/Budget.