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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CONGRATULATING COOK COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR BEING AWARDED THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES "2014 ACHIEVEMENT AWARD"
WHEREAS, the Cook County Department of Revenue's mission is to assist residents of Cook County with their tax responsibilities and obligations through fair and equitable administration, firm and timely enforcement efforts, professional and quality service, and efficient collections and processing; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Department of Revenue is responsible for the collection of Cook County's Home Rule taxes as well as for collection of a variety of fees charged by other County departments; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Department of Revenue recently has been awarded a National Association of Counties (NACo) 2014 Achievement Award for its program entitled, "Modernizing and Increasing Compliance and Enforcement of the Tobacco Tax in Cook County"; and
WHEREAS, this innovative program has worked to combat contraband cigarette sales and counterfeiting while increasing enforcement efficiency; and
WHEREAS, in March of 2013, the Cook County Department of Revenue hit the streets with its newly developed Tobacco Investigation System (TIS), a web-based mobile solution specifically designed for its tobacco investigators; and
WHEREAS, in addition to creating critical reports digitally, this new tool allows investigators and administrators to access real-time investigations data, automatically send citations to the County's in-house Administrative Hearing Court and check for counterfeit County cigarette stamps; and
WHEREAS, the Tobacco Investigation System also integrated multiple databases, including the County's TIP reward website and the comprehensive Illinois Business Tax license list; and
WHEREAS, this system has helped streamline revenue flow surrounding citations, eliminate numerous manual processes, reduce redundant paperwork and increase time management nearly overnight; and
WHEREAS, the Tobacco Investigation System has increased compliance activities and cost savings. Data clearly indicates a positive trend on the number of compliance activities now being accomplished; and
WHEREAS, the Tobacco Investigation System has also helped foster and strengthen intergovernmental relationships; and
WHEREAS, this year the tobacco investigation system has integrated the County's other home rule taxes and will result in an increase in the overall tax compliance rate within the County; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Revenue has exceeded its 2013 cigarette revenue target by $14.8 million and this year is targeting compliance and enforcement efforts to bring in $134.5 million; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Board of Commissioners do hereby congratulate Zahra Ali, Department Director and the entire staff of the Cook County Department of Revenue, for their receipt of this distinguished national award; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body in appreciation of the outstanding work performed by the Cook County Department of Revenue in the course of performing its duties in collecting all revenue owed to Cook County.end