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County facilities staff report repairs, new drug drop boxes and lingering gate problems at detention home
Summary
Facilities staff updated the committee on courthouse repairs (new flooring, painted offices), installation of drug drop boxes, mirrors for security sightlines, and a delayed fence/gate installation at the detention home pending parts and keyed cylinders.
Facilities staff reported completed office repairs at the courthouse, new outside drug‑drop boxes, and improved sightlines for bailiffs, but also described ongoing problems with a detention‑home gate project and staffing shortages.
The facilities update included completed work for Judge Rakulius’ office and the secretary’s office (new flooring, paint, patching). Staff said two large, outside drug‑drop boxes have been installed (bolted, battery‑monitored and intended for needles), and smaller boxes are installed inside county buildings. A set of mirrors was added in the downtown courthouse to improve bailiff visibility down hallways that are blocked by the elevator.
Facilities staff reported a fence and gate project at the detention home has been stalled about two months because an actuator part and properly keyed cylinders were not installed. The gate motor was said to be nonfunctional and the contractor is waiting for replacement parts; until the actuator and cylinders are in place, gates remain open and the gates’ lock changes have not been completed. County staff said they are tracking the contractor and awaiting parts.
Maintenance staffing: the facilities presenter said the department is operating with two experienced employees plus one new hire and that two more positions remain open (one for the nursing home and one for the courthouse complex). Staff described difficulty finding candidates with a mix of electrical and plumbing experience and said they continue to advertise openings.
Jail generator checks: staff said the jail generator had a high‑limit switch replaced and several hoses; the vendor ran the generator under load during testing and staff perform a full annual load test.
Why it matters: the updates affect courthouse operations (security and functionality), public safety (drug‑box availability and detention home access), and the county’s ability to maintain facilities with limited staffing. The fence/gate delays at the detention home remain unresolved pending parts and contractor follow‑up.
Committee members asked staff to continue pursuing the gate components, to advertise vacancies, and to present a security item list for committee direction at a later time.
