Construction of a children’s waiting room at the McHenry County Government Center suffered a second setback Tuesday, as the County Board’s Management Services Committee decided to wait until after a consultant finishes a study of space needs before recommending whether to accept the project.
That study is probably four months from completion, said Building Operations Manager Larry Andersen.
Sheriff Keith Nygren requested funding for the waiting room and received a commitment of $50,000 from the state Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. The room would give parents a place to leave their children while they are in court. It would occupy about 840 square feet near the Sheriff’s Department.
Several County Board members have questioned whether the room should be built since many county departments have outgrown their allotted space. They also have concerns about liability issues and costs beyond construction of the room, which would have its own kitchen, refrigerator, bathroom and office.
Two weeks ago the board’s Law and Justice Committee voted to delay acceptance of the grant. Nygren on Tuesday supported the Management Services Committee’s decision.