During a recent government meeting, officials discussed pressing security concerns at the county annex building, particularly regarding unauthorized access after hours. The conversation was initiated by a commissioner who highlighted an incident involving a non-employee who entered the building after it was locked, raising alarms about the safety of employees working late.

The discussion revealed that the annex's back door sometimes remains unlocked due to scheduled meetings, which can lead to unauthorized individuals entering the premises. The commissioner emphasized the need for enhanced security measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras—a request that has been pending for five years. The lack of adequate security has previously resulted in uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations, including encounters with individuals with criminal backgrounds.

To address these concerns, the commissioner proposed a simple yet effective solution: having a sheriff's officer conduct a security sweep of the building at closing time. This would involve checking bathrooms and hallways to ensure no unauthorized individuals remain inside. While this may incur minimal overtime costs, officials agreed that the safety of employees is paramount.

The meeting also touched on the historical context of security measures at the annex, noting that previous administrations had implemented regular security sweeps, which have since diminished. The need for a consistent security presence was echoed by multiple officials, including the coroner, who expressed fear about working alone in the building after hours, especially given the high-stress nature of their work.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the urgency of implementing immediate security measures, including the proposed officer sweeps and the long-overdue installation of surveillance cameras. The officials recognized that ensuring a safe working environment is essential for the well-being of all employees at the annex.