Warren County board authorizes hiring process to refill Administration Building security post

Warren County supervisors voted Aug. 5 to start the hiring process to fill a security guard position at the county Administration Building after the previous employee left. The sheriff told the board the prior hire, Nick Craig Douglas, moved on and asked whether the board wanted the sheriff's office to proceed with filling the position. The board approved a motion to begin the hiring process by roll call vote. Why it matters: supervisors said staff safety at the Administration Building is a priority and discussed whether the county may need additional coverage in future to handle vacations and breaks. Sheriff comments and board discussion: the sheriff said the position had originally been placed under the sheriff's office and asked whether the board wanted the vacancy filled. “We conducted that, hired a gentleman, Nick Craig Douglas. He has since moved on to other employment,” the sheriff said. A board member cautioned that the department is “spread pretty thin” and suggested the county may want a third position in the future to cover vacations and lunches. Another supervisor said recent incidents made staffing important so staff would feel safe in the building. Board action and next steps: the board moved and seconded a motion to hire a security guard and approved it by roll call (aye votes recorded for Supervisors Stephanie Erickson, Harrison DeWitt, Arnold, McIntyre and Cook). The board instructed the sheriff's office to start the search and hiring process. No formal budget amendment or funding source for an additional permanent position was approved at the meeting; supervisors discussed reviewing staffing needs later.