THE DECISION TO CONSTRUCT A NEW JAIL

In February 2005 Voorhis/Robertson Justice Services, Inc. presented a Criminal Justice Planning Project Report to the County. That report reviewed the long-term facility needs of the Kane County jail. The following options were explored:

1. Evaluation of the Existing Facilities: The capacity of the current jail is 399 inmates with 117 staff, and if the County were to maintain the current facility, the 15-year cost estimate was $276,609,439 which included $95,808,821 for costs to house inmates in other counties and $17,196,128 to repair and maintain the current facility.

2. Remodel-Add On to Existing Facilities: If 268 new beds were added to the current facility and food service, laundry, visitation, security were updated and improved and a new intake and receiving area built, the 15-year cost estimate was $276,218,315 including an $11,340,000 construction estimate, $18,898,824 for out of county per diem and $15,800,000 for maintenance.

3. New Facility at Existing Site: This option increased the total capacity to 768 beds in 2 phases. 56 additional staff would be required, and the 15-year cost estimate was $309,864,701 including construction costs of $47,969,601.

4. New Facility at New Site: After the March 23, 2005 presentation to the County Board, VRJS was directed to refine this option to look at a new facility at the Judicial Center site. The total 15-year construction and operation cost estimate was $262,713,197. Other advantages to the Judicial Center site were also noted by the County including the proximity to the courthouse which would increase security and eliminate the costs of transport.

A copy of the VRJS Report can be viewed under Project Reports.

In January 2006 the Kane County Board authorized the construction of an Adult Justice Center at the Kane County Judicial Center and accepted a guaranteed maximum price for the construction of $56,039,212 for 640 beds and additional shell space for 128 beds.