Politics

Cook County Board Approves $10.1B Spending Plan That Does Not Hike Taxes, Fees

The Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $10.1 billion spending plan for 2026 on Thursday that does not hike taxes or impose new fees, even as officials brace for the impact of cuts ordered by President Donald Trump.

Just 43 days after Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle introduced the spending plan that closed a $102.6 million gap in its general fund and a $108.8 million gap in its health fund, it sailed to final approval with little drama.

“This budget is Cook County’s response to sweeping cuts and ongoing chaos at the federal level,” Preckwinkle said. “We’re stepping up and filling the gap for our residents by focusing on critical safety net programs, health, community safety, and economic development.”

The budget approved Thursday spends Cook County’s $20 million share of the $1 billion in property taxes earmarked to fight blight Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has asked the City Council to declare to be “surplus” on assistance for residents experiencing homelessness, rental assistance and expanded access to emergency food.

Cook County Public Defender Sharone Mitchell’s immigration unit will add seven new positions next year, as the Trump administration continues to carry out aggressive raids in Chicago as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to deport undocumented immigrants.

Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke’s office will add 12 new positions.

Despite the smooth budget negotiations, Preckwinkle, who is running for reelection, warned dark days are ahead.

The financial future of Cook County Health, which is largely funded by the federal government as part of Medicaid, is particularly bleak after the Trump administration slashed health care for low- and moderate-income Americans, Preckwinkle said.

The bulk of those cuts will not hit the county’s bottom line until 2027, officials said.

Preckwinkle, 78, is running for a fifth term in office, and is set to face Chicago Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) in March’s Democratic Primary.

The spending plan calls for officials to sock away $65 million to replace essential services now covered by federal funds, officials said.

Preckwinkle’s spending plan uses $383.9 million from what officials called the county’s “unassigned fund balance,” to bridge the gap in its general fund.

At the end of 2024, the county had $958.4 million in uncommitted funds in its main bank account after all of its other bills had been paid, officials said. The remaining $575.2 million means the county has an ample financial cushion, officials said. 

Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]

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