Lake County to regularly transfer inmates to McHenry County due to jail staffing shortages; about 100 to be moved initially

Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said Wednesday that his office had struck a deal with McHenry County to house some jail inmates while Lake deals with ongoing staffing shortages at the county lockup in Waukegan.

Under the agreement, which could continue for up to two years, Lake County will pay McHenry County $100 per inmate per day to house some of its inmates at the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock, the sheriff’s office said.

“This transfer is necessary to alleviate safety concerns amid a staffing crisis at the Lake County Jail,” Idleburg’s office said in a news release. “With current employee vacancies, staff on (family leave), and other absences, the Lake County Sheriff’s Corrections Division is down nearly 40% of its normal staffing levels.”

Lake County corrections officers, according to Idleburg, cannot safely operate the jail based on current staffing levels.

Lake County said the move would not have a substantial financial impact because housing inmates in McHenry County would allow Lake County to reduce overtime spending and other operational expenses.

McHenry County will be responsible for transporting inmates to and from the Lake County courthouse for court hearings.

Lake County will transfer inmates beginning the week of Jan. 7.

Inmates held in McHenry County will be able to communicate with their lawyers via Zoom, in person or by phone.

In the release issued Wednesday, Idleburg praised his correctional staff and McHenry Sheriff Robb Tadelman for his assistance.

“I cannot praise my correctional employees enough for all they’ve done during this staffing shortage,” he said. “We will continue working toward filling staffing vacancies and I will continue advocating to Lake County leaders that increased pay for corrections staff, retention and sign-on bonuses are essential to recruiting and retaining high-quality employees.”

The release included a quote from the McHenry sheriff, saying his office was happy to assist Lake County.

The Lake County jail population stood at 513 inmates on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said. About 100 inmates will be transferred initially to McHenry County, he said.

Both counties will regularly review the agreement to ensure efficiency and feasibility, the sheriff’s office said.