Cook County board approves remote participation and sets special Nov. 20 meeting to consider FY2026 budget

The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to allow members who were not attending in person to participate remotely, a procedural motion that carried by voice and roll call with 15 ayes and two members absent. The motion to permit remote participation was made and seconded; the chair pronounced the motion carried.

The clerk read the official call of the special meeting, saying County Board President Tony Preckwinkle directed an in-person special meeting for Thursday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. The notice specified that the president's recommended Cook County budget resolution and the annual appropriation bill for fiscal year 2026 "as amended" would be considered. The clerk noted the meeting would be viewable to the public on the county website.

Commissioners present during roll call included (as recorded): Commissioner Aguilar, Commissioner Anaya, Commissioner Britton, Commissioner Daley, Commissioner Gainer, Commissioner Lowry, Commissioner McCaskill, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Morita, Commissioner Kevin Morrison, Commissioner Sean Morrison, Commissioner Scott, Commissioner Stamps, Commissioner Trevor and Commissioner Vasquez. Commissioners Degnan and Gaynor were recorded as absent. The clerk recorded the tally as "15 ayes, 2 absent." The motion to allow remote participation was described as procedural; no substantive policy change to the budget was made at that time.

The meeting was recessed until the conclusion of the finance committee, which was scheduled to follow immediately. The clerk also announced the rules for public testimony and that translation services were available.