Committee ratifies emergency dry-out after sprinkler failure that flooded sheriff's offices; sheriff estimates half-million-dollar restoration

Kane County's administration committee on Wednesday ratified an emergency purchase affidavit to hire BELFOR Property Restoration for immediate dry-out work after a sprinkler-head failure flooded the sheriff's patrol and corrections areas.

Kevin Harris of building management told the committee trustees the county secured immediate dry-out work while longer-term restoration estimates are developed. "This $51,000 expense allowed us to effectively dry out the place," Harris said; the committee packet listed that initial dry-out cost as $51,963.

The sheriff's chief described extensive damage. "I'm estimating it's gonna be at least a half $1,000,000, if not more, to restore," the chief said, listing destroyed cubicles, ceiling work, damaged electrical wiring, soaked furniture and mold remediation. The incident affected patrol work areas, the officer dining room, control room and some charging banks for corrections body cameras and radios; the chief said 70% of corrections body cams and 12 Motorola radios were water-damaged.

Committee members asked about insurance coverage and contingency planning. County staff said Kane County is self-insured and that the county's risk manager and an adjuster will assess damage and handle the internal claim process. Roger Fonstock (IT and buildings) and department staff described immediate steps taken to shut off water and begin remediation and said they will coordinate with the county risk manager and the sheriff to determine restoration timelines.

Board members also asked operational questions about maintaining services while repairs occur. The chief said deputies and sergeants have been working from vehicles and sharing office space; the jail's corrections dining operations have been shifted temporarily to other approved facilities and contract arrangements for meals. Committee members discussed short-term accommodations such as using empty pods inside the jail or county multipurpose space while work proceeds.

The committee approved the emergency purchase by roll call; staff said a general contractor's pricing for full restoration was expected shortly and that insurance discussions were scheduled. The committee did not approve long-term restoration contracts at the meeting; members requested more detailed estimates and the county said it would pursue appropriate procurement and insurance reimbursement steps.

Next steps: staff will obtain full restoration estimates, coordinate with the county's risk manager and adjuster, and return with cost and schedule information for committee consideration.