Kankakee County’s continuing problem of trying to balance the budget is posing another issue, and the matter may lead to a union grievance.

Correctional officers at the Jerome Combs Detention Center have raised the concern of working too many hours. That raises red flags about safety.

The Daily-Journal reports too many hours and safety concerns are the result of budget cuts due to the county’s financial troubles. Now -- the County Board’s efforts to get a handle on the budget dilemma may be derailed.

Sheriff Mike Downey informed the county board finance committee this week that the jail guard’s union is protesting the cuts made to staff. The cuts have resulted in tired officers working double shifts, posing safety concern.

Downey reported some officers are working 16-hour days. The sheriff says there’s just 93 active guards on the payroll. There were 125 officers before the layoffs.

94.1 WGFA