Columbia County commissioners on July 2 discussed proposed security upgrades at the justice court annex — including new doors and additional cameras — after a courthouse safety committee recommended the purchases and budgeted up to $15,000 toward the work.

A presenter described the proposed equipment and quoted vendor estimates: "So the door is 5600," the presenter said, and later referenced a second quoted line item of about "$6,735" for door hardware and installation. The safety committee recommended allocating up to $15,000 toward the upgrades, including two doors and additional cameras on the county/city camera system.

Why it matters: courthouse security investments touch public safety, staff safety and continued operations of justice court. Commissioners said recent incidents and on‑site observations informed the security recommendations; staff noted Justice Court contributes fees into a courthouse security fund (the presenter said Justice Court contributes about $9,000) that can be used for court security purposes.

Discussion and concerns: several commissioners cautioned that the county is considering broader conversations about Justice Court’s future location and whether it might be moved; those commissioners said they were reluctant to invest in fixed infrastructure if the court might relocate. One commissioner said the courthouse security committee’s recommendation was appropriate but suggested an additional conversation before finance issues a check. Others said the expenditures are program budget neutral and supported proceeding.

Board action: the safety committee approved a recommendation of up to $15,000 for the security work; the board did not record a formal vote to expend funds at the July 2 meeting. Commissioners indicated two positions — some in favor of proceeding to purchase doors and cameras using the courthouse security fund, others wanting a follow‑up discussion before finance cuts a check. Staff said they will either proceed with the purchases under the committee’s authority or return for additional board discussion depending on the board’s direction.

Clarifying details: presenters stated the safety committee budget includes approximately $145,000 available for capital courthouse security projects countywide and that Justice Court specifically contributes roughly $9,000 into a courthouse security account (fund control described as external to the board’s immediate approval process). The presenter noted that certain security funds may be restricted to justice court use.