Sheriff cites jail population and transport delays as committee approves night-vision rental and food contract amendment

The McLean County Justice Committee approved two sheriff’s office requests: an equipment rental agreement with the Naval Surface Warfare Center for night-vision equipment and amendment No. 10 to the detention facility food services agreement.

"This is just a contract so that we may rent some night vision equipment from the US government in order to do nighttime operations when need be," Sheriff Lane said, describing uses from routine patrol to tactical responses. The motion on the rental agreement was made by Member Reeves, seconded by Member Klaus, and approved by voice vote.

On the jail food services contract, Lane said most meals are prepared on-site and cited inflation-driven cost increases affecting vendors. "When egg prices went from 89¢ a dozen to $2, we actually had to stop mid contract and renegotiate," he said. The committee approved amendment No. 10 (motion by Reeves, second by Roseman) by voice vote.

During his monthly report Lane said the jail population was about 245 at the start of the day and that 24 individuals who have been sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) were awaiting transport because transfer dates had not been scheduled until this week. "It's costing county money to hold on to these folks that are supposed to be in the state custody," Lane said, noting the county provides food, clothing and medication while waiting for transfers.

Lane said 17 of the transfers were scheduled to go to Stateville and the remainder to Graham, and that Department of Human Services detainees typically number about 10–12. He told the committee the county obtained reimbursement in litigation during COVID when sheriffs sued the state for transfers and said he would prefer to avoid litigation but wants the state to reimburse local costs.