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Sheriff's office reports recruiting progress, Aramark kitchen contract transition and VitalCore medical services; County plans to staff Country Thunder weekend
Summary
Sheriff's office officials reported progress on deputy recruiting, the Aramark food services transition, VitalCore medical services starting in detention, and preparations to provide deputy staffing and reimbursement for large events such as Country Thunder.
Sheriff's office officials updated the Kenosha County Judiciary & Law Enforcement Committee on staffing, vendor transitions and event staffing on May 1.
A presenter identified as captain (Captain Klinghammer in committee remarks) said staffing has improved in recent months and that the sheriff's office has pursued targeted recruiting partnerships, including outreach to the military transition assistance program (TAP) at Naval Training Center Great Lakes. The captain said the county aims to recruit junior enlisted servicemembers separating from service because they often have skills and discipline that align with law enforcement.
The captain and Director of Human Resources Clara Tapa reported that the Aramark contract to operate detention kitchens has completed transition. County-held positions for the detention kitchen manager and chief cook remain county employees; other staff were offered positions with Aramark at the same pay. According to the captain, one employee resigned to pursue other work and others accepted alternative county roles or moved to other positions; four employees transitioned to the contractor. Committee members asked whether any employees lost work; the presenters said most affected staff retained employment either with Aramark or elsewhere in county service and that the one full‑time resignation was voluntary.
The county also reported that VitalCore has begun providing medical services for the inmate population and has been filling nursing roles; presenters said that some VitalCore hires have prior institutional experience providing continuity. The captain said the county is encouraged by VitalCore's staffing level given local competition for nurses.
Committee members asked about operational and budget impacts. The captain said Aramark taking on kitchen responsibilities should reduce some duties previously performed by detention staff; the county is tracking costs and personnel effects. The presenter also flagged major upcoming events: Country Thunder and a local Dustfest are scheduled for the same weekend, and the county expects increased traffic and public‑safety demand. The sheriff's office will supply deputies for events and has sought contractual reimbursement for overtime; the captain said he was awaiting a contract to ensure overtime is reimbursed by the event promoter.
On vacancies, the chief examiner reported five deputy vacancies at the sheriff's office and described the recruitment pipeline: one candidate starting May 19, three more in preemployment, three expected in the August academy and additional candidates from recent testing. Committee members discussed academy slot availability and certification pathways; presenters said jail academy slots are available at MATC and the county can pursue alternative academy arrangements when needed.
The committee did not take further formal action on staffing items during the meeting but asked for continuing updates on recruiting progress, vendor rollouts and the event staffing contract.
