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County administrator says jail project is on time and on budget; building 'about 99% enclosed'
Summary
County officials told commissioners the Lake County jail construction is on time and on budget, with 23 of 28 contract weather days used, the building nearly enclosed and substantial completion targeted around the end of March; officials noted steel cells are being fabricated out of state and mockups planned.
County officials updated the Lake County Board of Commissioners on the sheriff’s office and jail construction, saying the project is proceeding on schedule and within budget.
The county administrator reported the Gilbane contract includes 28 weather days and that the project has used 23, noting that much of the building work is now inside, which will reduce future weather impacts. "The building is, I think, 99% enclosed," the county administrator said, adding that interior work, masonry and remaining concrete pours continue.
Officials described key next steps: finishing the basement slab, starting masonry in spring, and continuing interior systems work. Steel cells for secure housing are being fabricated in Georgia and a control center mockup and systems review are planned in Michigan later this year.
A public commenter, Frank Williams, praised contractor Gilbane and the county’s owner's representative, Ellis Catz, saying the rep’s oversight had saved the county about $20 million in project costs. Commissioners and staff thanked union labor and construction crews for work in difficult winter conditions.
Sheriff Liam Bruno and county staff said the project remains on track for a substantial completion milestone targeted around the end of March (roughly one year from now), while cautioning that schedule sensitivity remains for masonry and weather‑dependent work.
What happens next: County staff and the sheriff’s office will continue construction oversight, with mockups and vendor visits planned to confirm systems and cell fabrication details.
