MARION — A recently released Illinois Department of Corrections jail inspection report pointed out many space and structural problems with the current jail.
The report was a brief discussion subject Tuesday during a regular Williamson County Board meeting.
The board plans a new larger structure with Poettker Construction of Breese expected to break ground in a few weeks.
The new 72,000-square-foot jail will sit northeast of the courthouse and house 240 inmates. Construction costs are projected at $21 million.
The current jail is in compliance with Illinois County Jail Standard that eases any fears of a shutdown, but the fact the facility was built to house 35 inmates instead of a current population of 81 reemphasized the need for new space.
Structural problems the IDOC listed in its report included a buckling of the concrete floor in the all-purpose room and flooding that seeps into the courthouse.
People are also reading…
“This indicates that plumbing is failing, and unable to keep up with the demands of increased detainee population,” Criminal Justice Specialist Dianne Fritschle wrote in her report.
The space problems include a cramped kitchen and laundry room, limited food storage areas, crowded hallways, a confined nursing area and an officer break room that doubles as detainee records storage area, according to the report.
Fritschle also noted that commissary profits, which are subject to audit, should be used for detainee welfare and not deposited into the county’s general fund.
Acting manager Brad Besson of the IDOC’s Jail and Detention Standards Unit commended Wil-liamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick and other county officials with plans to move forward to build a new jail.
618-351-5076
