Barsanti says budget increase today could save millions tomorrow

Kane County's top prosecutor says he could offset inmate housing costs by potentially millions if the county would add $100,000 to his budget.

State's Attorney John Barsanti said Tuesday the funding increase would be used to hire a lawyer whose primarily role is identifying and recommending the release of eligible, "low-risk" inmates who are awaiting trial in the county jail for nonviolent offenses.

Barsanti said the move could save upward of $3 million, which is what the county spent last year sending hundreds of inmates to other counties due to jail overcrowding.

"I'm not trying to let people out of jail," he said. "We're trying to make choices here with dwindling resources. We have to look at what we're spending."

Overcrowding cost Kane County $3.4 million in fiscal 2007-08, of which $551,000 was spent after the opening of a new 640-bed jail in August, according to jail Cmdr. Patrick Keaty. As of late 2008, about 20 inmates a day were being housed in other counties.

Barsanti said some inmates spend months in county lockup awaiting trail for "low-level property crimes" because they can't afford bond, but they pose no serious threats to the public.

Though bond amounts are set by judges, prosecutors can request a suspect's release and conditions such as electronic home monitoring. But Barsanti said bond court is considered an entry-level position in his office and lacks experienced prosecutors. He said he needs a seasoned lawyer to be on duty seven days a week.

"The key on this is decision-making," he said.

Barsanti, whose office was forced to cut its budget by 1.5 percent last year and who is expecting an additional 3-percent budget cut later this year, said he realizes this is "not the greatest time" to ask the county for money but believes it will pay off in savings.

"You spend a hundred grand to save $3 million," he said. "That's a more responsible thing to do in my mind."

The county's public safety committee recommended approval of the new position last week. It is expected to go to the full county board later this month after further committee review.