Marion, IL – Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich has turned a statewide budget challenge into a major financial success story, securing millions in new federal funding to support local law enforcement operations.
According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, the county jail’s revenue from housing federal inmates has grown from just a few hundred thousand dollars in 2022 to more than $2 million annually. Sheriff Diederich said the county is on pace to exceed $3 million per year by 2026 based on current housing commitments.
The increase follows financial strain tied to the Illinois SAFE-T Act, which led to lower jail populations and a reduction in local revenue. Rather than accept those losses, Diederich negotiated new agreements to house federal detainees—transforming unused space into a consistent income source for taxpayers.
While additional expenses accompany the influx of inmates, such as labor and food costs, officials say the initiative has strengthened the county’s fiscal position without requiring layoffs or tax hikes. “This initiative has proven to be a win-win,” Diederich said. “We’ve protected jobs, enhanced financial stability, and ensured that critical services remain funded.”
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the jail does not house individuals detained solely for immigration violations, maintaining compliance with Illinois law. The new federal partnerships focus on housing a range of detainees from agencies nationwide.
County officials are now factoring the increased revenue into the 2025 budget, calling it one of the department’s most successful funding strategies in years.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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