Mt. McGregor: 76 employees, zero inmates

By Gordon Woodworth

No prisoners remain at Mount McGregor Correctional Facility in Wilton, but 76 staff members still work there around the clock, The Chronicle has learned.

The medium-security prison is due to close on July 26, one of four prisons statewide being shuttered to save money and respond to the declining number of inmates.

As of Monday, April 28, “there were 76 staff members and no inmates,” confirmed a Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) spokesman.

Asked why the staffing remains, he said, “It’s a long decommissioning process.”

“The one-year notice allows for a gradual transition of staff to other facilities, other agencies, some people decide to retire, and some decide to resign.”

He said workers are overseeing supplies being shipped from the facility and doing other tasks.

Jim Miller, spokesman for NYSCOPBA, the union that represents corrections officers, said 42 C.O.’s still work at Mount McGregor “awaiting transfer. Four of the officers are going to retire.”

He said, “The remaining staff are taking inventory of all the materials at the facility and making preparation for its closure.”

Is this a contractual obligation, we asked? “Nothing contractual,” Mr. Miller said. “Personnel are just waiting for their transfer to a new facility and there are a number of administrative items that need to be accomplished before the facility is completely shut down.”

About 320 people worked at Mt. McGregor when it was fully functioning.