The Rutherford County Social Services Board meeting on September 17, 2025, focused on the ongoing contracts with the sheriff's department and Apex Security, highlighting concerns about safety and the efficiency of service delivery in child support cases.

During the meeting, officials discussed the current contract with the sheriff's department, which includes provisions for security and the delivery of civil papers related to child support. However, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of this arrangement, particularly regarding the availability of deputies for security duties. It was noted that while the sheriff's department is responsible for serving civil papers, their presence for security has been described as "occasional," leading to safety concerns among staff and clients.

To address these issues, the board has contracted with Apex Security, which provides dedicated security from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. This decision was made after a review of safety incidents over the past two years, particularly in the economic services area and child welfare. Officials reported that the presence of Apex Security has already made a significant difference in improving safety.

Financially, the contracts with both the sheriff's department and Apex are structured to allow for state reimbursement, covering approximately 50% of the costs. The board clarified that the funding for the Apex contract was sourced from another department's budget, ensuring no additional costs were incurred.

The discussion also touched on the need for further negotiations with the sheriff's department to clarify the terms of their contract, particularly regarding the expectations for on-site security. Board members expressed the importance of having a dedicated deputy present to ensure safety and timely service delivery, especially in light of the critical nature of child support cases.

In conclusion, the board recognized the necessity of revisiting the contract with the sheriff's department to ensure that security needs are adequately met while maintaining efficient service delivery for child support. The meeting underscored the ongoing commitment to enhancing safety for both staff and clients in Rutherford County.