Commissioners designate judge’s office as Title VI coordinator, set delegation practice

Cook County’s commissioners opened and discussed a drafted Title VI plan required for compliance with TxDOT grant rules, and moved to designate the county judge’s office as the county’s Title VI coordinator. The plan — identified in court as “Title 6” and described by staff as required for TxDOT grant compliance — lists responsibilities including nondiscrimination postings, complaint procedures, and a three-year renewal. County staff asked the court to identify who would be the coordinator so the county can meet grant conditions. “This whole plan has to do with grants, roads, and the general public,” a staff member said during the discussion. Commissioners debated who should be assigned. Staff noted the plan’s language on page 5 that "Cook County has assigned [designated person] to perform the duties of the Title 6 coordinator and ensure implementation of the agency’s Title 6 program." Commissioners agreed the county judge should be the ultimate responsible official but that the judge’s office should have authority to delegate administrative tasks necessary to maintain compliance, including posting required notices and arranging training. A motion to designate the county judge’s office as the Title VI coordinator and authorize delegation passed on a recorded vote (4–1). Court members clarified that the coordinator role is primarily administrative, including timely renewal every three years and receiving complaints under the plan; department heads and commissioners would still provide information needed for reporting. County staff indicated training for the designated coordinator and other staff would be required; the transcript references a training requirement on the plan’s final page. The objective recorded by the court was a practical one: assign responsibility at the office level (county judge’s office) while permitting that office to delegate implementation details to administrators or commissioners as needed. Commissioners instructed staff to proceed with the designation, prepare the plan paperwork and necessary postings, and to ensure staff receive the required training.