GREENE COUNTY WORK CAMP CLOSURE PLAN DRAWS OPPOSITION AT STATE HEARING

WHITE HALL, Ill. — A proposal to permanently close Greene County Work Camp drew questions about jobs, community services and the county economy during a state hearing Thursday, October 22.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability convened the hearing at the North Greene Unit Office in White Hall as part of its review of correctional facility closures proposed by the Illinois Department of Corrections. Approximately 50 people attended, including residents, labor representatives and officials.

The work camp, located near Roodhouse, has not housed people in custody since March 2020. State corrections officials say permanent closure is part of a larger effort to reduce costs, address aging infrastructure and consolidate services. The department maintains that employees will be reassigned rather than laid off, with operations handled through Jacksonville Correctional Center.

Opponents question how that approach will affect local staffing and the community work details that once supported public projects. Union representatives and some local officials have argued that the change could eliminate dozens of positions associated with the facility even if the state does not classify the move as layoffs.

An economic analysis discussed in connection with the closure estimates approximately $468,326 in annual economic output lost in Greene County, along with the equivalent of 6.2 jobs. The estimate is an economic model, not a confirmed count of workers who will be terminated.

Residents also described the importance of work crews that historically helped with flooding and other community projects. Corrections officials have said services could continue through other facilities, but local residents are seeking clarity about whether the same assistance would remain available.

The state commission is expected to make a recommendation during the week of November 16. Its recommendation is advisory: the Illinois Department of Corrections retains responsibility for the final closure decision. The proposed closing was not finalized by Thursday's hearing.